cifX PC cards are the easiest and fastest way to integrate PC-based devices into an automated environment. Based on our netX communication controllers, you get access to all protocols – in any form factor for any application.
PC Cards for Industrial Ethernet & Fieldbus
cifX PC cards are the easiest and fastest way to integrate PC-based devices into an automated environment. Classic application examples can be found in industrial PCs for plant or local machine control, HMI (Human Machine Interface) panels for machine monitoring and operation, as well as specific solutions such as optical inspection systems, test benches, simulation systems, and robotic solutions. Our market-leading PC card portfolio includes all relevant form factors – from the smallest PC cards in the automation market for compact devices to classic formats such as 19-inch systems.
The cifX PC cards can be used both as master and slave and have multi-protocol capability, allowing you to map all leading fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols. The entire protocol stack is processed on our proprietary netX chips. The uniform platform strategy means that all card formats and protocols use the same drivers, configuration tools and a standardized API, can be deployed flexibly, and are quickly integrated. A wide range of hardware options also offers you tailored solutions for any environment.
The M.2 format is extremely compact and versatile. Among other benefits, it offers you PCI Express interface technologies for master and slave applications for numerous fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols.
PCI Express is the successor to PCI technology and offers an increased data throughput. Our PCI Express cards can be used universally for all fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols.
The low-profile PCI Express PC cards are designed for PCIe systems of limited height. They can be used universally for numerous fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols.
Our mini PCIe halfsize cards have an impressive, extremely compact design. They enable you to implement slave applications for numerous fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols.
Mini PCI Express is the successor to the mini PCI format and offers an increased data throughput. Our mini PCI Express cards can be used universally for all fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols.
The PCI bus is an established standard in automation and is widely used in many areas. Our PCI cards can be used universally for all fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols.
Compact PCI is the industrial version of the PCI bus, offering impressively high data rates in a robust design. Our compact PCI cards enable you to handle numerous fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols.
Mini PCI is the miniature format of the established PCI cards. It is used especially in embedded systems or compact box IPCs. They can be used universally for all fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols.
PCI 104 is the successor to the stackable PC/104 technology and is mainly used in complex systems. Our PCI 104 cards can be used universally for all fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols.
The stackable PC/104 format is mainly used in complex systems. Our PC/104 cards can be used universally for all fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet protocols.
We make industrial communication possible. From legacy fieldbus to Real-Time Ethernet and the cloud. Our solutions are multi-protocol capable, flexible and reliable. Learn more about how our netX software and hardware technologies work and how we make machine data accessible for you with our IIoT platform netFIELD.
Are you looking for an integration partner for your industrial communication project? From multi-protocol capable netX chips to IIoT applications - our network of partner companies offers you the support you need!
What are Hilscher PC cards?
Hilscher PC cards, known as the cifX series, are communication cards for PCs and embedded systems. They enable connection to fieldbus and industrial Ethernet networks and are particularly suitable for automation applications in which a computer needs to exchange data with industrial controllers.
Which PC card form factors are available?
The Hilscher cifX series is available in various form factors, including:
- PCI
- PCI Express (PCIe)
- mini PCIe
- CompactPCI / CompactPCI Serial
- M.2 format
- Low Profile PCIe
Which protocols do the PC cards support?
Thanks to the netX technology, the cards support a wide range of Industrial Ethernet and fieldbus protocols, such as: PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, CC-Link IE Field, as well as classic fieldbuses like PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, or CANopen.
What are typical applications?
- Use in an industrial PC
- Fieldbus connectivity for Windows- or Linux-based IPCs
- Test and development environments for fieldbus and Ethernet protocols
How easy is integration?
The cifX cards are plug-and-play capable and are delivered with a unified driver and API concept. This allows developers to use the same interface regardless of the protocol, significantly simplifying integration.
What distinguishes Hilscher PC cards from other solutions?
- Multi-network capability: One hardware platform can support different protocols
- Unified API: The same software interface for all cards and protocols
- Long-term availability: Industrial-grade designs with long-term supply
- Flexibility: A wide range of form factors for any PC architecture
- Broad driver support for using cifX cards with all common operating systems
What are the benefits of cifX cards?
- Easy integration into existing systems
- Wide selection of form factors for different IPCs
- Support for nearly all relevant fieldbus and Ethernet protocols
- Unified software environment for fast development
- Rugged, industrial-grade hardware
How are the cards configured and managed?
Configuration is done using the Hilscher toolchain (e.g., Communication Studio) and the cifX SDK. Updates and firmware changes can easily be deployed via the PC.
In which industries are Hilscher PC cards used?
- Automation technology
- Machinery and plant engineering
- Manufacturing industry
- Test and measurement technology
- Production lines with heterogeneous networks
Who are Hilscher PC cards intended for?
They are particularly attractive for system integrators, machine builders, and developers who want to connect their PC-based systems to industrial networks—flexibly, quickly, and with minimal development effort.
