New cifX PC Cards for Secure Industrial Communication with PCI Express Interface
Hattersheim, 9 March 2026 – Hilscher has introduced the cifX PCIE90-RE and the cifX LPCIE90-RE, two new PC cards for secure industrial communication. The cards are based on the netX 90 system-on-chip (SoC) and are available in PCI Express and low-profile PCI Express form factors.
They target manufacturers of PC-based automation solutions who want to integrate their products into industrial networks securely, with high performance, and with long-term availability.
With these new cifX variants, Hilscher is expanding its proven PC card portfolio with two future-ready solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s requirements.
The cards are suitable successors to established netX 100-based cifX PC cards with a PCI Express interface, such as the cifX 50E-RE. They are also ideal for new device generations where security, performance, and flexibility are key design criteria from the outset.
Platform for secure and scalable communication
At the core of both cards is Hilscher’s multiprotocol-capable netX 90 communication controller. It provides the technological foundation for unified, secure, and scalable industrial communication. The cifX PCIE90-RE and the cifX LPCIE90-RE support common Industrial Ethernet and IIoT protocols:
- PROFINET IO-Device
- EtherCAT SubDevice
- EtherNet/IP Adapter
- OpenModbus/TCP Server/Client
- CC-Link IE Field Basic Slave
- POWERLINK Controlled Node
- Sercos Slave
- OPC UA Server
- MQTT Publisher/Subscriber
The protocols can be adapted to different target markets and requirements by switching the firmware. Hilscher places particular emphasis on helping customers prepare for regulatory requirements such as the European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The new cifX PC cards are designed to integrate security-by-design concepts into PC-based devices, providing a robust basis for secure industrial networks.
Two form factors for maximum design freedom
The cifX PCIE90-RE in PCI Express format is designed for classic industrial PCs and high-performance control systems. The cifX LPCIE90-RE in low-profile format is suitable for compact devices, embedded PCs, or space-constrained applications such as vision systems. Both variants are designed for use in industrial environments and operate reliably in an extended temperature range from –20 to +75 °C.
An integrated rotary switch supports straightforward 1:1 replacement of cards and enables stable operation of multiple communication interfaces within a system. This simplifies service, maintenance, and migration of existing solutions.
Technical features at a glance
Cybersecurity features based on netX 90
The cifX PCIE90-RE and cifX LPCIE90-RE integrate comprehensive security mechanisms of the netX 90 communication controller. This makes the new cifX PC cards a future-ready communication interface and supports compliance with the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act, which will take effect at the end of 2027.
Optimized cost structure through the netX 90 architecture
The clear focus on device functionality reduces system costs compared to Hilscher’s established netX 100-based solutions. Device manufacturers benefit in particular in high-volume applications and price-sensitive markets.
Multiprotocol capability for Industrial Ethernet
One hardware platform supports all common Industrial Ethernet protocols. This reduces integration effort, simplifies logistics, and lowers inventory and administrative costs across the entire product life cycle.
Extended temperature range for industrial applications
The new cifX PC cards operate reliably from –20 to +75 °C. This makes them suitable for harsh industrial environments and enables fanless designs without additional cooling or heating measures.
More compact design for space-constrained systems
Compared to the previous generation, height and overall dimensions have been further reduced. This facilitates use in compact IPCs, embedded systems, and modern, space-optimized device designs.
IIoT connectivity in parallel with Industrial Ethernet
In addition to Industrial Ethernet, the cards support OPC UA and MQTT in combination with PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus/TCP. This allows machine data to be used securely from the sensor level through to cloud or other IIoT applications.
Proven drivers, tools, and integration concepts
Device drivers for all relevant operating systems, straightforward configuration tools, and consistent interfaces align with Hilscher’s established one-stop-shop approach. Existing customers benefit from easy migration, while new users benefit from fast commissioning and the consistent platform promise of netX.
Rotary switch for reliable operation and easy replacement
An integrated rotary switch enables 1:1 card replacement in service cases and supports parallel operation of multiple cards within a system.
Protocol stacks for CC-Link, PROFIBUS, and DeviceNet in 2026
Related Products
CIFX LPCIE90-RE
CRA-compliant communication for PC-based automation
CIFX PCIE90-RE
CRA-compliant communication for PC-based automation