Beckhoff C6915 User manual

Manual | EN
C6915
Industrial PC
6/29/2021 | Version: 2.0

Table of contents
C6915 3Version: 2.0
Table of contents
1 Notes on the documentation ....................................................................................................................5
2 For your safety...........................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Description of safety symbols............................................................................................................6
2.2 Intended use......................................................................................................................................6
2.3 Fundamental safety instructions........................................................................................................7
2.4 Operator's obligation to exercise diligence ........................................................................................7
3 Product overview.......................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Structure ............................................................................................................................................9
3.2 Interface description ........................................................................................................................10
3.2.1 Power supply ................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.2 Ethernet RJ45.................................................................................................................. 11
3.2.3 USB ................................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.4 DVI................................................................................................................................... 13
3.3 Status LEDs.....................................................................................................................................14
3.4 Name plate ......................................................................................................................................15
4 Commissioning........................................................................................................................................16
4.1 Transport and unpacking.................................................................................................................16
4.2 Installation in the control cabinet .....................................................................................................17
4.2.1 Dimensions ...................................................................................................................... 18
4.2.2 Installation in the control cabinet ..................................................................................... 19
4.3 Connecting the Industrial PC...........................................................................................................20
4.3.1 Installing the supply cable................................................................................................ 21
4.3.2 Grounding of the Industrial PC ........................................................................................ 22
4.3.3 Connecting cables and power supply .............................................................................. 23
4.4 Switching the Industrial PC on and off.............................................................................................25
5 Beckhoff Device Manager.......................................................................................................................27
6 Decommissioning....................................................................................................................................29
6.1 Disconnecting the power supply and cables ...................................................................................29
6.2 Disassembly and disposal ...............................................................................................................30
7 Maintenance.............................................................................................................................................31
7.1 Cleaning ..........................................................................................................................................31
7.2 Maintenance ....................................................................................................................................32
7.2.1 Access to device components ......................................................................................... 34
7.2.2 Replacing the battery....................................................................................................... 35
7.2.3 Replacing the storage media ........................................................................................... 36
8 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................37
9 Technical data..........................................................................................................................................38
10 Appendix ..................................................................................................................................................39
10.1 Service and support.........................................................................................................................39
10.2 Approvals.........................................................................................................................................40

Table of contents
C69154 Version: 2.0

Notes on the documentation
C6915 5Version: 2.0
1 Notes on the documentation
This description is only intended for the use of trained specialists in control and automation engineering who
are familiar with the applicable national standards.
The following instructions and explanations must be followed during installation and commissioning of the
components. The responsible staff must ensure that the application or use of the products described satisfy
all the requirements for safety, including all the relevant laws, regulations, guidelines and standards.
Disclaimer
The documentation has been prepared with care. The products described are, however, constantly under
development. For that reason the documentation is not in every case checked for consistency with
performance data, standards or other characteristics. In the event that it contains technical or editorial errors,
we retain the right to make alterations at any time and without warning. No claims for the modification of
products that have already been supplied may be made on the basis of the data, diagrams, and descriptions
in this documentation. All illustrations shown are only examples. The configurations depicted may deviate
from the standard.
Trademarks
Beckhoff®, TwinCAT®, TwinCAT/BSD®, TC/BSD ®, EtherCAT®, EtherCAT G®, EtherCAT G10®, EtherCAT P®,
Safety over EtherCAT®, TwinSAFE®, XFC®, XTS® and XPlanar® are registered and licensed trademarks of
Beckhoff Automation GmbH.
Other designations used in this publication may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own
purposes could violate the rights of the owners.
Patents
The EtherCAT Technology is covered, including but not limited to the following patent applications and
patents: EP1590927, EP1789857, DE102004044764, DE102007017835 with the corresponding applications
and registrations in various other countries. The TwinCAT Technology is covered, including but not limited to
the following patent applications and patents: EP0851348, US6167425 with corresponding applications or
registrations in various other countries.
Copyright
© Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG. Publication of this document on websites other than ours is
prohibited. Offenders will be held liable for the payment of damages. All rights reserved in the event of the
grant of a patent, utility model or design.
Delivery state
All the components are supplied in particular hardware and software configurations appropriate for the
application. Changes to the hardware or software configuration are permitted, provided they are within the
specified limits for power consumption and power dissipation (please refer to the respective data sheet).
Delivery conditions
In addition, the general delivery conditions of the company Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG apply.

For your safety
C69156 Version: 2.0
2 For your safety
The Safety chapter first explains the safety symbols used in the documentation and their meanings. They
contain fundamental safety instructions that are essential for the avoidance of personal injuries and damage
to property.
Exclusion of liability
Beckhoff shall not be liable in the event of non-compliance with this documentation and thus the use of the
devices outside the documented operating conditions.
2.1 Description of safety symbols
The following safety symbols are used in these operating instructions. In order to avoid personal injuries and
damage to property, read and follow the safety and warning notices.
Warning of personal injuries:
DANGER
Disregarding the safety notice will lead to death or serious injuries.
WARNING
Disregarding the safety notice may lead to death or serious injuries.
CAUTION
Disregarding the safety notice may lead to minor injuries.
Warning of damage to property:
NOTE
Disregarding the notice may lead to damage to property.
2.2 Intended use
The Industrial PC is intended for control cabinet installation and use as a control system in machine
construction and plant engineering for automation, visualization and communication.
The Industrial PC has been developed for an IP20 working environment. It is protected against the
penetration of fingers and solid foreign bodies of 12.5 mm or larger in size. It is not protected against water.
Operation of the devices in wet and dusty environments is not permitted.
The specified limits for technical data must be adhered to.
The Industrial PC can be used within the documented operating conditions.
Improper use
Do not use the Industrial PC outside the documented operating conditions.

For your safety
C6915 7Version: 2.0
2.3 Fundamental safety instructions
The following safety instructions must be observed when handling the Industrial PC.
Application conditions
• Do not use the Industrial PC under extreme environmental conditions.
• Never use the Industrial PC in potentially explosive atmospheres.
• Do not carry out any work on the Industrial PC when it is live. Always switch off the supply voltage for
the device before mounting it, replacing device components or rectifying malfunctions. This does not
apply to the replacement of hard disks in a RAID configuration.
• Never plug or unplug connectors during thunderstorms. There is a risk of electric shock.
• Ensure that the device has a protective and functional earth connection.
Damage to property, loss of data and impairment of functions
• If you change the hardware and software configurations, you must keep within the specified limits of
power consumption and power dissipation (please refer to the respective data sheet).
• Ensure that only trained specialists with a control and automation technology background, operate the
Industrial PC. Use by unauthorized persons can lead to damage to property and loss of data.
• Protect the power supply cable with a fuse with a max. rating of 16A. The fuse serves to protect the
supply line in the event of a short circuit.
• In case of fire, extinguish the Industrial PC with powder or nitrogen.
2.4 Operator's obligation to exercise diligence
The operator must ensure that
• the products are used only for their intended purpose (see Chapter 2.2 Intended use [}6]).
• the products are only operated in sound condition and in working order.
• the products are operated only by suitably qualified and authorized personnel.
• the personnel is instructed regularly about relevant occupational safety and environmental protection
aspects, and is familiar with the operating instructions and in particular the safety instructions contained
herein.
• the operating instructions are in good condition and complete, and always available for reference at the
location where the products are used.

Product overview
C69158 Version: 2.0
3 Product overview
The C6915 Industrial PC belongs to the series of compact Industrial PCs for space-saving control cabinet
installation. The device is suitable for various applications and requirements.
Thanks to the available processors, the Industrial PC can be used for the following applications, among
others:
• diverse automation and visualization tasks
• wide range of IoT tasks, for example when used as an IoT gateway
• simple HMI applications
• axis control
• short cycle times
• high-volume data handling
The basic configuration of the C6915 includes the following aspects:
• Intel® processor
• 1 DVI connection, graphic adapter integrated in the Intel® processor
• 2 x 100/1000BASE-T connections, on-board dual Ethernet adapter
• CFast
• 4 x USB

Product overview
C6915 9Version: 2.0
3.1 Structure
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Fig.1: C6915_structure
Table1: Key: C6915 structure
No. Component Description
1 Mounting plate Plate for mounting the Industrial PC by its the rear side in
the control cabinet
2 Name plate Information on the equipment of the Industrial PC
3 Status LEDs Status display for power, fieldbus, hard disk
4 Optional additional Ethernet RJ45
interface (X109)
Connection of the Industrial PC to a 100/1000BASE-T
network
5 Front flap Access to battery and storage media
6 Grounding screw Functional earthing of the Industrial PC
7 DVI interface (X108) Connection of a DVI-capable monitor
8 USB interfaces (X104 - X107) Connection of peripheral devices
9 RJ45 Ethernet interfaces (X102, X103) Connection of the Industrial PC to a 100/1000BASE-T
network or EtherCAT
10 Power supply (X101) Connection of the power supply, protective earth and
external wiring

Product overview
C691510 Version: 2.0
3.2 Interface description
The basic version of the C6915 has the following interfaces:
• Power supply (X101)
• Ethernet RJ45 (X102, X103)
• USB (X104 - X107)
• DVI (X108)
3.2.1 Power supply
The Industrial PC is supplied with a rated voltage of 24V. The 8-pin voltage socket (X101) is used for
connection to the power supply and the external wiring of the Industrial PC. The main supply voltage is
applied between PIN 5 (-24V) and PIN 6 (+24V) of the socket. If the Industrial PC is equipped with an
integrated uninterruptible power supply (UPS), an external battery pack can additionally be connected to PIN
1 and PIN 2.
X101
8
1
P-S
PC-ON
+
-
24V
24V UPS
+
-BAT
C9900 U330
U332 only
Fig.2: C6915_Voltage socket pin numbering
Table2: Voltage socket pin assignment
Pin Signal Description
8 P-S Power Status output, minus is the negative pole of the supply voltage
7 PC ON Input PC_ON
6 + 24V Positive pole Supply voltage 24V
5 - Negative pole Supply voltage 24 V
4 Protective earth
3 24 V UPS 24 V UPS output 2.5 A, minus is – BAT
2 + BAT Positive pole of the battery pack
1 - BAT Negative pole of the battery pack

Product overview
C6915 11Version: 2.0
3.2.2 Ethernet RJ45
The C6915 has two Gigabit LAN ports (X102, X103). The 100Base-T and 1000Base-T Ethernet standards
enable the connection of corresponding network components and data rates of 100/1000 Mbit/s. The
required speed is selected automatically.
The controllers are used as follows, based on the device generations:
Table3: Controller classification based on device generations
Generation Controller
C6915-0010 Intel® i210 for LAN1 and LAN2
C6915-0020 Intel® i210 for LAN1 and LAN2
The Ethernet port i210 connected via PCIe is usually suitable for cycle times <= 1ms and for distributed
clock applications with EtherCAT.
X102
X103
8
1
1
8
LAN1
LAN2
Fig.3: C6915_Ethernet interface pin numbering
Table4: Ethernet interface pin assignment
Pin Signal Description
1 T2 + Pair 2
2 T2 -
3 T3 + Pair 3
4 T1 + Pair 1
5 T1 -
6 T3 - Pair 3
7 T4 + Pair 4
8 T4 -
The LEDs of the LAN interfaces indicate the activity and the speed of the data transfer (Mbit/s). The LED on
the left indicates whether the interface is connected to a network. If this is the case, the LED lights up green.
The LED flashes when data transfer is in progress.
The LED on the right indicates the speed of the data transfer. If the speed is 100 Mbit/s the LED is orange, at
1000 Mbit/s it is green

Product overview
C691512 Version: 2.0
3.2.3 USB
The Industrial PC has four USB interfaces (X104-X107). They are used to connect peripheral devices with
USB interfaces. The following table shows the interface assignment based on the device generation:
Table5: USB interfaces based on device generation
Generation USB interfaces
C6915-0010 4x USB 2.0
C6915-0020 2x USB 3.0
2x USB 2.0
1
2
3
4 4
3
2
1
5
6
7
8
9
5
6
7
8
9
1
2
3
4 4
3
2
1
5
6
7
8
9
5
6
7
8
9
4
3
21
X104-107
Fig.4: C6915_USB interface pin numbering
Table6: USB interface pin assignment
Pin Connection
Shell Shield
1 Vbus
2 D -
3 D +
4 GND
5 StdA_SSRX -
6 StdA_SSRX +
7 GND_DRAIN
8 StdA_SSTX -
9 StdA_SSTX +
For USB 2.0 only the first four pin assignments are relevant.

Product overview
C6915 13Version: 2.0
3.2.4 DVI
The Industrial PC has a DVI connection (X108), to which a DVI-capable monitor can be connected. Only
digital signals are transmitted.
8
1
24
17
9
16
X108
Fig.5: C6915_DVI interface
Table7: DVI interface pin assignment
Pin Connection Pin Connection Pin Connection
1 TDMS Data 2 - 9 TDMS Data 1 - 17 TDMS Data 0 -
2 TDMS Data 2 + 10 TDMS Data 1 + 18 TDMS Data 0 +
3 TDMS Data 2/4 Shield 11 TDMS Data 1/3 Shield 19 TDMS Data 0/5 Shield
4 not connected 12 not connected 20 not connected
5 not connected 13 not connected 21 not connected
6 DDC Clock 14 + 5V Power 22 TDMS Clock Shield
7 DDC Data 15 Ground (+ 5 V, Analog H/
V Sync)
23 TDMS Clock +
8 Analog Vertical Sync 16 Hot Plug Detect 24 TDMA Clock -
C5 GND

Product overview
C691514 Version: 2.0
3.3 Status LEDs
The Industrial PC has three status LEDs: PWR, FB, HDD. They provide information on the following aspects:
• the status of the power controller
• the fieldbus status
• the hard disk activity
The figure shows where the LEDs are located on the Industrial PC.
Fig.6: C6915 Status LEDs
Table8: Meaning of the Status LEDs
LED Color/flashing interval Meaning
PWR (Power) green
off
Computer on
Computer off
FB (fieldbus) red
blue
blue/red flashing
green
green/red flashing
TwinCAT Stop
TwinCAT Config
TwinCAT Config (fieldbus error)
TwinCAT Run
TwinCAT Run (fieldbus error)
HDD (hard disk) red Accessing storage media

Product overview
C6915 15Version: 2.0
3.4 Name plate
The name plate provides information on the equipment fitted to the Industrial PC.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
10
12
13
xxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Fig.7: C6915_Name plate example
Table9: Key: name plate C6915
No. Description
1 Model: The last four digits indicate the device generation.
2 Serial number (BTN)
3 Date of manufacture
4 Mainboard
5 CPU
6 Main memory
7 Storage media
8 Power supply unit: 24VDC
9 MAC addresses of the Ethernet interfaces (X102, X103)
10 FCC approval
11 Address of the manufacturer
12 Conformity symbols
13 Variant number: Commercial number of the order code including ordering options

Commissioning
C691516 Version: 2.0
4 Commissioning
To be able to use the Industrial PC, you must first commission it. The first step is to transport the device to is
operating location and unpack it. This is followed by installing the device in the control cabinet, connecting
the cables and the power supply and finally switching on the Industrial PC.
4.1 Transport and unpacking
Note the specified transport and storage conditions (see Chapter 9, Technical data [}38]).
Despite the robust design of the unit, the components are sensitive to strong vibrations and impacts.
Transporting a control cabinet with a built-in PC can result in excessive impact on the Industrial PC. During
transport the device must therefore be protected from excessive mechanical stress. Appropriate packaging
of the Industrial PC, in particular the original packaging, can improve the vibration resistance during
transport.
NOTE
Hardware damage due to condensation
Unfavorable weather conditions during transport can cause damage to the device.
• Protect the device against moisture (condensation) during transport in cold weather or in case of ex-
treme temperature fluctuations.
• Do not put the device into operation until it has slowly adjusted to the room temperature.
• Should condensation occur, wait for about 12 hours before switching the device on.
Unpacking
Proceed as follows to unpack the unit:
1. Remove packaging.
2. Keep the packaging for possible future transport.
3. Check your delivery for completeness by comparing it with your order.
4. Check the contents for visible shipping damage.
5. In case of discrepancies between the package contents and the order, or in case of transport damage,
please inform Beckhoff Service (see Chapter 10.1 Service and support [}39]).

Commissioning
C6915 17Version: 2.0
4.2 Installation in the control cabinet
NOTE
Incorrect installation
Mounting the device in a way that deviates from the documentation can impair its functionality.
• Mount the device only in the orientations shown in the documents.
The C6915 Industrial PC is designed for installation in control cabinets in machine and plant technology.
Please observe the environmental conditions prescribed for the operation (see Chapter 9 Technical data
[}38]).
Using different mounting plates, you can align the cable entry based on the application requirements.
Figure 8 shows the two available mounting plates: the standard mounting plate 1 and the optional mounting
plate 2. Mounting plate 1 in mounted on the rear panel of the Industrial PC and mounting plate 2 on the right-
hand side panel. In both cases, four M4 x 8 countersunk head Philips screws are used for mounting.
1 2
Fig.8: C6915_Mounting plates
In the basic equipment version, the Industrial PC is delivered with mounting plate 1 already mounted as
shown in fig. 8. Mounting plate 2 is not included in the scope of delivery. You can choose the following
ordering options:
• C9900-M653: Mounting plate on the side panel instead of on the rear panel

Commissioning
C691518 Version: 2.0
4.2.1 Dimensions
The dimensions of the Industrial PC and the mounting plate are used to prepare the control cabinet and to
mount the device correctly in the control cabinet.
All dimensions are in mm.
Figure 9 illustrates the dimensions of the Industrial PC with mounting plate 1.
163,5
120,3
124,3
32
46
48
190
203
Fig.9: C6915_Dimensions with mounting plate 1
Figure 10 illustrates the dimensions of the Industrial PC with mounting plate 2.
190
95,2
120,3
10
52
48
163,5
203
Fig.10: C6915_Dimensions with mounting plate 2

Commissioning
C6915 19Version: 2.0
4.2.2 Installation in the control cabinet
NOTE
Extreme environmental conditions
Extreme environmental conditions can cause damage to the device.
• Avoid extreme environmental conditions.
• Protect the device against dust, moisture and heat.
• Do not cover the device's ventilation grille.
When installing in the control cabinet, note that there must be 5 cm of free space above and below the
device for ventilation.
Mounting via mounting plates
In order to mount the Industrial PC by its rear or side panel in the control cabinet using the mounting plates,
the control cabinet must be equipped with drill holes for the fastening screws corresponding to the
dimensions of the PC (see chapter 4.2.1 Dimensions [}18]). You need M4 screws for mounting.
After you have drilled the holes for the fastening screws in the control cabinet, you can mount the Industrial
PC in the control cabinet with the mounting plates.
Fig.11: C6915_Control cabinet installation
To install the Industrial PC in the control cabinet, follow the steps below:
1. Place the fastening screws in the drill holes in the rear panel of the control cabinet.
2. Hang the PC on the screws at the marked places on the mounting plate (see fig. 11).
3. Tighten the fastening screws.
ðYou have successfully installed the Industrial PC in the control cabinet.

Commissioning
C691520 Version: 2.0
4.3 Connecting the Industrial PC
CAUTION
Risk of electric shock
Dangerous touch voltages can lead to electric shock. To avoid electric shock, observe the following:
• Never connect or disconnect the device cables during a thunderstorm.
• Provide protective earthing for handling the device.
To prepare the Industrial PC for operation, it must be connected. The first step is to ground the device. Then
you can connect the cables and the power supply.
An external power supply unit is required to supply 24VDC (-15%/+20%) for operating the device.
Wire the Industrial PC in the control cabinet in accordance with the EN 60204-1:2006 standard on Protective
Extra Low Voltage (PELV) so that one side of the circuit or a point on the power source of this circuit is
connected to the protective conductor system.