B&R X20BR9300 Bus Repeater Module

X20BR9300

X20: B&R X20 I/O System Series

BR: Bus Repeater

9300: Product Version / Codice funzione (Galvanically Isolated Repeater for X2X Bus)

2. Panoramica principale

The X20BR9300 is a galvanically isolated repeater module for the X2X backplane bus. It provides galvanic isolation, signal regeneration and bus extension for two segments of the internal X2X backplane bus in the B&R X20 system.

> Important Note: This module is exclusively designed for the local X20 X2X backplane bus, NOT a repeater for EtherCAT / POWERLINK fieldbus.

3. Key Hardware & Specifiche elettriche

4. Principio di funzionamento
5. Left Port: Connects to the primary X2X bus segment (upstream CPU / existing X20 station)
6. Internal Module Function: Signal buffering & regeneration + galvanic isolation barrier
7. Right Port: Outputs a new, galvanically isolated secondary independent X2X bus segment

✅ Core Functions:

Eliminate ground loops between backplane segments and suppress electromagnetic interference

Extend the physical span of the X2X bus

Partition I/O stations to prevent a short circuit on one segment from crashing the entire X20 system

⚠️ Limitations

The native transmission distance of the X2X backplane bus is very short. The X20BR9300 cannot achieve significant cable length extension. Its primary value lies in galvanic isolation and fault segmentation. For long-distance distributed I/O, use X20HBxxx remote bus heads (EtherCAT / POWERLINK).

5. Cablaggio & Installation Definition

No external wiring terminals! Communication relies entirely on inter-module X2X bus connectors between adjacent modules

Example installation sequence:

`X20CPU → X20 Modules … → X20BR9300 → 【Isolated Partition】X20 Input / Output Modules`

> The BR9300 must be installed between two groups of X20 modules; it cannot be mounted at the bus end as a standalone unit.

6. Compatible Alternatives
7. Sostituzione diretta: X20BR9300 (the original dedicated X2X galvanic repeater; no older downward-compatible models)
8. Functional alternatives for different scenarios:

For remote distributed I/O (several meters up to hundreds of meters): Replace BR9300 with X20HB2880 (EtherCAT Bus Adapter)

Simply expand module quantity without isolation requirements: Directly extend the backplane; no repeater required

7. Selection Pitfall Guide

❌ Improper Application:

1. Used as an EtherCAT repeater → Invalid! It only processes the X20 internal X2X backplane bus
2. Expect long-distance I/O extension over tens of meters → Not feasible; remote bus heads are mandatory
3. Installed at the far end of the bus (no modules on the right) → System fault; X2X communication failure

✅ Suitable Scenarios:

I/O modules installed in different cabinet zones with potential voltage differences and ground loop interference risks

Fault isolation requirements: A short-circuit on downstream I/O will not disrupt the CPU-side bus

Partition layout for high-power output modules (relè, thyristors) and precision analog modules

8. Typical Application Industries

Plastic injection machinery, attrezzature per l'imballaggio, machine tool automation, onboard rail control, energy measurement & controllare, attrezzature per la stampa (common anti-interference solution for X20 automation platforms)

9. Document Search Keywords

Codice ordine: X20BR9300

Search Terms: X2X bus repeater, galvanic isolation X20, X20 backplane galvanic repeater

Full Comparison: X20BR9300 vs X20BR9301

Informazioni di base

Both modules are galvanically isolated repeaters for the X2X backplane bus. They share identical dimensions, installation design and inter-module connectors and are mechanically interchangeable. The core differences lie in insulation specifications and system firmware compatibility.

In-depth Key Analysis

1. Withstand voltage is the primary distinction

X20BR9300: 500 VAC basic isolation, applicable to standard control cabinets with clearly separated high/low voltage wiring

X20BR9301: 2500 VAC reinforced insulation, suitable for systems adjacent to inverters/servo drives, environments with fluctuating ground potential, CE-compliant export equipment, rail vehicles and wind power equipment

2. PLC & Firmware Compatibility

BR9300: Supported by all B&R Automation Studio versions (AS2.7 and above)

BR9301: COME 4.0.24 or newer recommended. Older AS versions can identify the module but cannot fully activate isolation-related diagnostic functions

3. Interchange Notes

Direct plug-and-play mechanical replacement is possible

Upgrading from BR9300 to BR9301: No modification required for project topology

Downgrade replacement (BR9301 → BR9300): Not permitted if the machine requires high-voltage insulation compliance, which will violate safety standards

Raccomandazione di selezione

✅ Choose X20BR9300

Standard industrial machinery, cabinets with well separated power and control wiring, no strict high-insulation requirements, cost optimization priority.

✅ Choose X20BR9301

Machinery exported to Europe & America del Nord, machine tools/injection machines with high-power drives adjacent to I/O modules, severe high-frequency ground interference, systems requiring enhanced safety insulation, mobile and onboard equipment.

Difetti comuni (Applicable to both models)

1. No modules mounted on the right side → X2X bus fault; CPU fails to detect the module
2. Excessive gaps between modules or unlocked interlocking latches → Poor contact, intermittent communication dropout
3. Short circuit on the downstream bus segment → Only modules on the isolated partition go offline; the CPU-side bus remains operational (core advantage of this module)
4. Continuous operation above 55 ℃ ambient temperature → Unstable communication

Additional Hard Restrictions

1. Multiple repeaters cannot be cascaded: Maximum one BR module in series. Multi-stage cascading easily triggers X2X bus timing errors
2. Not usable for EtherCAT / POWERLINK remote bus; limited to local X20 backplane bus
3. Cannot be cascaded with X20HBxx remote bus heads

Communication Protocols Supported by B&R X20BR9300

> Core Conclusion First:

The X20BR9300 only supports B&R proprietary protocol — X2X Bus. No standard open fieldbus protocols are supported!

1. Bus Protocol Details

✅ Only Supported Protocol: X2X Link (B&R proprietary backplane bus protocol)

Applicazione: Remote X20 I/O station connection via external cable (used in pairs with transmitter module X20BT9100)

Strato fisico: Differential serial bus (special shielded twisted pair cable)

Protocol Attribute: Closed proprietary protocol, not open; incompatible with third-party PLCs

Topology: Point-to-point only. One pair (BT9100 ↔ BR9300). Branch topology or multi-drop daisy-chain is prohibited

> Critical Distinction of Homonymous Modules:

1. X20BR9300: X2X Link remote bus receiver (supports external wiring for remote I/O)
2. X20BR9300 / X20BR9301 (Backplane Repeater): Cabinet X2X galvanic repeater, nessun terminale di cablaggio esterno

⚠️ Same model number for two different hardware variants! Confirm appearance before ordering:

Equipped with 12-pin external terminal = X2X Link remote receiver X20BR9300

No external terminals, only inter-module interconnection = X20BR9300 (backplane repeater)

2. ❌ Unsupported Protocol List (Critical Selection Reminder)

All the following standard fieldbuses are completely unsupported:

EtherCAT, POWERLINK, Profibus DP, ModBus RTU/TCP, CANopen, DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA.

3. Standard Working Topology

CPU Side: X20BT9100 (X2X Transmitter Module) → Shielded Twisted Pair → X20BR9300 (Receiver Module) → Full X20 I/O backplane mounted on the right side of BR

⚠️ Mandatory Rules:

The BR9300 must be installed in the leftmost slot of the remote I/O station

Must be fitted with terminal block X20TB12

Must match power bus modules (X20BM01 / X20BM05)

4. Clarification of Confusable “X2X” Definitions

Two different systems frequently mixed up:

1. X2X Backplane Bus: Inter-module connection via side latches, local cabinet expansion (uses X20BR9300/9301 repeater)
2. X2X Link Remote Bus: External cable for remote station connection, paired topology BT9100 ↔ BR9300

Although based on similar underlying protocol, hardware is mutually incompatible:

The backplane repeater cannot connect external cables; the remote BR9300 cannot be used solely as an in-cabinet backplane isolator.

5. Alternative Selection Guidance

If standard Ethernet / open fieldbus remote I/O is required:

Discard proprietary X2X Link, selezionare:

X20HB2880 (EtherCAT Bus Head)

X20HB2100 (POWERLINK Bus Head)

Quick Distinction Mnemonic

With external wiring terminals → X2X Link remote receiver X20BR9300, supports proprietary X2X Link only

No external terminals, only module-to-module connection → In-cabinet backplane galvanic repeater X20BR9300, X2X backplane bus only