B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03

Description

Product Overview and Description

The B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03 is a highly specialized and powerful CompactFlash memory card designed explicitly for industrial automation systems manufactured by B&R Automation (Bernecker + Rainer, now part of the ABB Group). This is not a generic storage device but a critical, OEM-approved firmware and program storage module for B&R’s industrial PCs (IPCs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and motion controllers. The primary function of the B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03 is to reliably store the real-time operating system (RTOS), the automation project (including logic, motion programs, and HMI visuals), and historical data in the harsh electrical and environmental conditions of the factory floor. Using this certified memory card ensures full compatibility, optimal performance, and data integrity within the B&R ecosystem, which is crucial for system stability and deterministic operation. The specific part number, B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03, indicates a 64 MB capacity and a particular hardware revision, making it an essential spare part for maintenance and lifecycle management of existing B&R control systems.

Product Parameters and Specifications

• Product Type: Industrial CompactFlash Memory Card

• Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 5CFCRD.0064-03

• Brand: B&R Automation (ABB)

• Capacity: 64 Megabytes (MB).

• Form Factor: Type I CompactFlash (CF) card.

• Interface: IDE (ATA) compatible.

• Hardware Revision: The “-03” suffix indicates a specific hardware or firmware revision level from B&R, ensuring compatibility with certain controller generations.

• Endurance & Reliability: Designed for high read/write cycles and data retention in industrial temperature ranges (typically -40°C to +85°C). Features wear-leveling algorithms and robust error correction.

• File System: Pre-formatted with a B&R-specific file system optimized for the real-time operating system (e.g., VxWorks or Automation Runtime).

• Compatibility: Designed for use in specific B&R controllers and IPCs with a CompactFlash slot, such as the APROL series, older X20 CPUs, or various panel PCs. Not compatible with standard PCs without proper formatting.

• Certification: OEM-qualified and tested for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and vibration resistance in B&R hardware.

Key Advantages and Features

The key advantage of the B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03 is its guaranteed reliability and seamless integration within B&R’s tightly controlled automation environment. Unlike commercial-grade CF cards, it is built with industrial-grade memory chips and a controller firmware tailored to handle the constant small write cycles of logging and the critical read operations of an RTOS without corruption. Its primary feature is data integrity; it is engineered to prevent the file system corruption that can paralyze a production line, which is a known risk with consumer-grade storage in industrial settings. The card is also pre-formatted and often contains necessary boot sectors or system files specific to B&R hardware, simplifying replacement and cloning procedures. Using the genuine B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03 ensures that the controller will boot and operate as designed, maintaining the performance and determinism of the automation runtime.

Application Scenarios and Use Cases

This memory card is used as the non-volatile storage heart of B&R control systems across many industries. It is found in packaging machines, storing the complex recipes, sequence logic, and HMI screens. In plastic injection molding machines, it holds the precise motion profiles and cycle parameters. For printing and converting machinery, it contains the registration and tension control programs. In automated test stands, it stores test sequences and result logs. The B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03 is specifically critical in systems where the entire automation project—from PLC and motion control to visualization—runs from this single storage device. It is used both for the initial system deployment and as a direct replacement part when performing maintenance or recovering from a storage device failure.

Comparison with Competing Products

The B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03 does not have a direct “competitor” in the traditional sense, as it is a proprietary OEM component. The comparison is typically against two alternatives: 1) Using a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) CompactFlash card, and 2) Using a different B&R storage option (e.g., a newer CFast card or an M.2 SSD in newer hardware). Compared to a COTS card, the B&R card is vastly superior in reliability, lifespan, and guaranteed compatibility, justifying its higher cost for critical industrial applications. Compared to newer B&R storage formats, the 5CFCRD.0064-03 is a legacy solution for supporting and maintaining existing hardware. It competes indirectly with embedded storage solutions from other automation vendors (e.g., Siemens MMC cards, Rockwell non-volatile memory cards), where each brand’s proprietary solution is the only recommended choice for reliable operation.

Selection Guidelines and Important Notes

Selection Advice:

1. Confirm Exact Replacement: The B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03 must be selected based on the specific part number listed in the original machine’s documentation or on the failed card itself. The capacity (0064 = 64MB) and revision (-03) are critical.

2. Verify Controller Compatibility: Check the hardware manual for the B&R controller (e.g., CPxxx, X20 CPUxxx) to confirm it uses a CompactFlash card and supports this specific model.

3. Purpose Definition: Determine if the card is for a new system image (requires programming) or a direct clone/replacement of an existing card.

4. Assess Capacity Needs: 64MB is substantial for pure logic and HMI but may be insufficient for extensive data logging or high-resolution vision files. Analyze the project size.

Important Precautions:

• Cloning is Essential: Before replacing a functioning card, always create a full disk image/clone using B&R’s Automation Studio and a suitable CF card reader. This backup is the only way to restore the system.

• Handling: Treat the card as a sensitive electronic component. Use proper ESD (electrostatic discharge) precautions when handling it.

• Do Not Format in a PC: Never insert the B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03 into a standard Windows PC and allow it to format or “fix” the drive. This will destroy the proprietary file system and render the card unusable for the B&R controller.

• Write-Protect Switch: If the card has a physical write-protect switch, use it when creating a backup clone to prevent accidental writes. Ensure it is in the writable position when installing in the controller.

• System Power Down: Always power down the B&R controller completely before inserting or removing the memory card.

• Migration Planning: For legacy systems, acquiring a spare B&R 5CFCRD.0064-03 is a key obsolescence management strategy. For new projects, consult B&R on current recommended storage solutions.

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