OnLogic has added two SoftPLC-oriented industrial computers built around Intel Core Ultra processors and pre-configured CODESYS environments. The Helix 521-PLC targets low-profile deployments, while the larger Helix 524-PLC adds PCIe expansion with an available Hilscher netX fieldbus interface for industrial networking and real-time control applications.

Both systems are part of OnLogic’s EdgeLogic platform and are intended for machine control, industrial automation and edge workloads. According to OnLogic, the pre-integrated CODESYS SoftPLC environment is configured for sub-1ms cycle times with low jitter while separating real-time control tasks from other host operating system workloads.

The systems support Intel Core Ultra Series 1 processors including the Core Ultra 5 125H, Core Ultra 5 135H and Core Ultra 7 165H, as well as Series 2 options including the Core Ultra 5 225H and Core Ultra 7 265H. Memory is provided through two DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slots supporting up to 96GB.

• Intel Core Ultra 5 125H — 14-core/18-thread architecture (4P + 8E + 2 LP-E), up to 4.5GHz, 18MB cache, 28W base power, Intel Arc graphics, 11-TOPS Intel AI Boost NPU.
• Intel Core Ultra 5 135H — 14-core/18-thread Meteor Lake processor, up to 4.6GHz, 18MB cache, 28W base power, Intel Arc graphics, 11-TOPS Intel AI Boost NPU.
• Intel Core Ultra 7 165H — 16-core/22-thread architecture (6P + 8E + 2 LP-E), up to 5.0GHz, 24MB cache, 28W base power, Intel Arc graphics, 11-TOPS Intel AI Boost NPU.
• Intel Core Ultra 5 225H — 14-core/14-thread Arrow Lake processor (4P + 8E + 2 LP-E), up to 4.9GHz, 18MB cache, 28W base power, Intel Arc 130T GPU, 13-TOPS Intel AI Boost NPU.
• Intel Core Ultra 7 265H — 16-core/16-thread Arrow Lake processor (6P + 8E + 2 LP-E), up to 5.3GHz, 24MB cache, 28W base power, Intel Arc 140T GPU, 13-TOPS Intel AI Boost NPU.

Helix 521-PLC left side view

Graphics support includes Intel integrated graphics, with up to four displays available through two DisplayPort outputs and two USB-C connections. The USB-C interfaces provide Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, while the remaining front I/O includes six USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and four 2.5GbE interfaces based on Intel I226 controllers.

Industrial connectivity includes four configurable RS-232/422/485 serial ports and eight native digital I/O channels. The systems also provide a remote switch input, grounding lug, SIM slot and multiple antenna mounting positions

Helix 521-PLC right side view

Storage and expansion are handled through M.2 interfaces. An M-Key slot supports PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe storage, while a B-Key interface can accommodate storage, cellular connectivity or other expansion hardware. An E-Key slot is available for wireless networking. OnLogic lists optional Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 modules, along with 4G LTE and 5G cellular modems.

The M.2 expansion options also include a Hailo 2242 AI accelerator. For the HX524-PLC, OnLogic additionally lists forthcoming M.2 modules for single-port 10GbE and dual PoE+ connectivity.

Helix 521-PLC front & rear view

The primary difference between the two models is expansion. The HX521-PLC uses a low-profile enclosure measuring 50.8 x 177 x 225mm, while the HX524-PLC measures 106 x 177 x 225mm and adds a PCIe Gen 5 x16 mechanical slot with an x8 electrical interface.

Helix 524-PLC left side view

On the HX524-PLC, the PCIe slot can be equipped with OnLogic’s Universal Real-Time Ethernet & Fieldbus interface based on Hilscher netX technology. According to the company, the interface provides hardware-timed determinism while offloading fieldbus processing from the main CPU.

Supported industrial protocols include PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus, DeviceNet and BACnet.

Helix 524-PLC right side view

Other PCIe options listed for the HX524-PLC include NVIDIA RTX A400 and RTX A1000 GPUs, Intel Arc Pro B50 graphics, NVIDIA RTX PRO 2000 and RTX PRO 4000 SFF Blackwell GPUs, a dual-port Intel X710 10GbE adapter and an eight-port USB 3.1 host adapter.

Helix 524-PLC front & rear view

The systems use fanless aluminum and steel enclosures and have an operating temperature range of 0 to 50°C. The HX521-PLC accepts 12–24V DC input and carries an IP50 rating, while the HX524-PLC accepts 19–24V DC input and is rated IP20.

CODESYS-optimized Windows 11 IoT is currently offered with the systems. OnLogic also states that Ubuntu and Ubuntu RT support are planned.

Specifications listed for the Helix 521-PLC and the Helix 524-PLC include:

Further Information