SCHLEICHER XCX300 / XCS300 PLC Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

SCHLEICHER XCX300 / XCS300 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The SCHLEICHER XCX300 and XCS300 series represent a mature, field-proven programmable logic controller (PLC) platform engineered by Schleicher Electronic GmbH & Co. KG, Germany. These systems have accumulated significant installed base across global heavy industry sectors including petrochemical plants, refinery process control, nuclear auxiliary systems, and continuous manufacturing lines. The XCX300 designates the compact modular controller variant, while XCS300 refers to the safety-oriented or extended-rack configuration within the same hardware generation. Both share a common backplane bus architecture, programming environment (STEP-compatible IEC 61131-3 toolchain), and I/O module ecosystem, making cross-series spare parts management straightforward for maintenance engineers.

The Evolution of XCX300 / XCS300 Architecture

The XCX300/XCS300 platform was introduced as Schleicher's response to the mid-range DCS/PLC convergence trend of the late 1990s and 2000s. Early revisions used parallel backplane communication at 5 VDC logic levels with proprietary bus arbitration. Subsequent hardware revisions introduced faster CPU clock speeds (from 16 MHz to 32+ MHz), expanded SRAM/Flash memory maps, and enhanced communication front-ends supporting PROFIBUS-DP, CANopen, and Modbus RTU natively. The XCS300 variant added hardware-level redundancy options and extended temperature ratings for harsh-environment enclosures. As of 2026, the XCX300/XCS300 series is in the mature/end-of-life phase; Schleicher has transitioned its active development to successor platforms. This makes long-term spare parts availability a critical operational concern for facilities running these controllers, as OEM stock is progressively depleted. DriveKNMS specializes in lifecycle extension support for exactly this scenario.

XCX300 / XCS300 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly traded modules within the XCX300/XCS300 ecosystem. Each entry includes a concise functional descriptor for rapid identification by maintenance and procurement engineers.

CPU / Controller Modules

• XCX300: Compact PLC CPU, IEC 61131-3, PROFIBUS-DP master
• XCS300: Extended-rack PLC CPU, safety-rated configuration variant
• XCX300-F: Fail-safe CPU variant with integrated safety bus interface
• XCX300-DP: CPU with onboard PROFIBUS-DP slave/master dual-port
• XCS300-DP: XCS300 CPU with PROFIBUS-DP master, extended I/O scan

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• XCX300-DI16: 16-channel 24 VDC digital input, sink/source configurable
• XCX300-DI32: 32-channel 24 VDC digital input, high-density rack mount
• XCS300-DI16-F: 16-channel fail-safe digital input, SIL2-rated

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• XCX300-DO16: 16-channel 24 VDC digital output, 0.5 A per channel
• XCX300-DO32: 32-channel 24 VDC digital output, transistor sourcing
• XCS300-DO16-F: 16-channel fail-safe digital output, SIL2-rated

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• XCX300-AI8: 8-channel analog input, 4–20 mA / 0–10 V, 12-bit resolution
• XCX300-AI8-HI: 8-channel high-isolation analog input, 16-bit resolution

Analog Output (AO) Modules

• XCX300-AO4: 4-channel analog output, 4–20 mA, 12-bit DAC
• XCX300-AO8: 8-channel analog output, 0–10 V / 4–20 mA selectable

Communication & Network Adapters

• XCX300-PB: PROFIBUS-DP communication adapter, 12 Mbit/s
• XCX300-CAN: CANopen master/slave communication module
• XCX300-ETH: Ethernet TCP/IP communication module, Modbus TCP

Power Supply Modules

• XCX300-PS24: 24 VDC rack power supply, 5 A output, wide-range AC input
• XCS300-PS24R: Redundant 24 VDC power supply module for XCS300 rack

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete XCX300 / XCS300 Parts

With the XCX300/XCS300 series in end-of-life status, OEM replacement channels are unreliable and lead times from authorized distributors frequently exceed 20–40 weeks or result in no-quote responses. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of new-surplus, refurbished, and tested-functional XCX300/XCS300 modules sourced through verified industrial surplus channels globally. Our procurement team actively monitors auction lots, plant decommissioning sales, and OEM overstock to replenish XCX300/XCS300 stock. For facilities operating under long-term maintenance contracts or regulatory requirements that prohibit platform migration, DriveKNMS provides a documented lifecycle extension service: parts are supplied with full test reports, and critical CPU and power supply modules are available with exchange/repair options. Minimum order quantities are flexible to support both single-unit emergency replacements and bulk MRO stocking programs.

Quality Control for the XCX300 / XCS300 Range

All XCX300 and XCS300 modules processed by DriveKNMS undergo a structured inspection and functional test protocol before dispatch. CPU modules are bench-tested under live backplane power with verified firmware load, memory read/write cycle validation, and communication port loopback testing (PROFIBUS, CANopen, Ethernet as applicable). I/O modules are tested channel-by-channel using calibrated signal sources and loads: DI modules are verified for threshold voltage and response time; DO modules are load-tested at rated current; AI modules are calibrated against a traceable reference signal at 0%, 50%, and 100% of input range; AO modules are verified for linearity and output accuracy. Power supply modules are tested under full rated load with output ripple measurement. Backplane connectors are inspected for pin integrity and contact oxidation. Modules failing any test parameter are quarantined and not offered for sale. Test records are retained and available upon request for regulated-industry customers.