PLC
B&R Industrial Automation X20 controllers PLC
Modular X20 PLC system with controllers up to Intel Atom class, POWERLINK and OPC UA over TSN on the current generation, and around 250 directly connectable I/O modules.
Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
Pricing and availability
Get pricing, sourcing and replacement support
Need B&R Industrial Automation parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.
- Original parts or a checked alternative
- Pricing, lead time and delivery in one reply
- Components, complete axes and ongoing support
No obligation. Add what you know and an engineer will help with the rest. Prefer to configure it? Build a specification.
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of X20 controllers
Select every part you need and answer the questions an applications engineer would ask. Our engineers use your specification to come back with the right products, pricing and lead times. You see your summary before we ask for any details.
Already know the part number? Send it to us directly.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Fieldbus | POWERLINK, Ethernet (TSN-enabled on current generation), RS232, USB; CAN optional on Compact-S |
|---|---|
| Cpu | up to Intel Atom |
| Width | 37.5 (Compact-S incl. power supply), 55 (embedded PLC) |
| Io | about 250 X20 I/O modules |
Summarised in our own words from ABB's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Specify Motion is not affiliated with ABB. B&R Industrial Automation and X20 controllers are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
B&R Industrial Automation X20 controllers replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original B&R Industrial Automation part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
Kinco compact modular PLC with tool-free slice I/O expansion for space-saving automation.
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Typical applications
What a PLC is
A PLC, or programmable logic controller, is an industrial computer that runs machine control programs, reads inputs and drives outputs in a repeating scan cycle. Programs are written in IEC 61131-3 languages such as ladder diagram, structured text and function block diagram. Modern PLCs also handle communication over fieldbus and industrial Ethernet, data logging and motion control functions. Formats range from compact bricks with built-in I/O to modular racks and industrial PCs.
When engineers choose a PLC
Choose a PLC as the main controller for machines and process systems needing reliable logic, sequencing, I/O handling and communication. It is robust, widely supported and familiar to maintenance teams. The trade-offs are motion capability and cost: entry-level PLCs offer limited axis control, so complex multi-axis motion may need a motion controller or PLC with motion libraries. Ecosystem and software licensing should be considered too.
How to specify the B&R Industrial Automation X20 controllers
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right X20 controllers variant or an equivalent:
- I/O count and types
- Programming languages and software
- Communication interfaces and protocols
- Motion axes, if needed
- Scan or cycle time
- Expansion and modularity
- Power supply and environment
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a PLC without enough I/O or memory for growth
- Ignoring software licensing costs
- Assuming all fieldbuses are supported
- Leaving out cybersecurity for networked machines
B&R Industrial Automation X20 controllers: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace B&R Industrial Automation X20 controllers or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the B&R Industrial Automation X20 controllers?
Modular X20 PLC system with controllers up to Intel Atom class, POWERLINK and OPC UA over TSN on the current generation, and around 250 directly connectable I/O modules. It is made by ABB; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the B&R Industrial Automation X20 controllers?
The B&R Industrial Automation X20 controllers is made by B&R Industrial Automation (ABB) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with ABB; brand names are used only to identify the product.
Is there an alternative to the B&R Industrial Automation X20 controllers?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Kinco K6S is options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is IEC 61131-3?
IEC 61131-3 is the international standard for PLC programming languages. It defines ladder diagram, function block diagram, structured text and sequential function chart, plus program organisation. Programs written to the standard are more portable between platforms, though vendor differences remain.
Can a PLC control servo motors?
Yes, many PLCs control servo drives using motion function blocks, pulse outputs or a real-time network such as EtherCAT. Simple PLCs handle a few axes, while PLCs with motion libraries handle coordinated motion. Check axis count, network support and cycle time.
Further reading: How to select a motion controller or plc · How to select an hmi and remote io · Controllers and PLCs
Other plc series
Engineer support
Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you
Tell us how you use the B&R Industrial Automation X20 controllers: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.
How it works
From enquiry to delivery
Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.
- 01Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- 02An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
- 03Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
- 04Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.