A20B-3300-0331 Fanuc PCB Board A20B33000331 A2OB-33OO-O33I

A20B-3300-0331 | FANUC Windows CE CPU PCB — Embedded OS Processor / A20B-3300 Series / Industrial CNC Automation

Windows CE — Embedded Computing for Industrial CNC

The A20B-3300-0331 carries the "WINDOWS CE" designation in its description — identifying this as a CPU board that runs the Microsoft Windows CE embedded operating system. This is a distinct category within the A20B-3300 CPU module family: where most A20B-3300 boards run FANUC's proprietary CNC kernel directly, a Windows CE CPU board runs the PC function layer.

Windows CE in FANUC CNCs: FANUC offered a Windows CE-based PC function option for some CNC platforms — allowing a lightweight embedded Windows environment to run alongside the CNC kernel. This provided:

Custom operator interface: Machine builders could develop HMI screens using Windows CE-compatible tools — presenting machine-specific operator interfaces without the full Windows XP requirements of the FANUC PC function option.

Data connectivity: Windows CE supported TCP/IP networking, serial communication, and standard industrial data exchange protocols — enabling the CNC to connect to factory networks, DNC systems, and production monitoring software within the embedded OS environment.

Lightweight runtime: Windows CE was designed for industrial embedded hardware — it required far less memory and processor performance than full desktop Windows, making it suitable for the constrained computing environment of a CNC CPU module.

Key Product Information

A20B-3300 CPU PCB Diversity

The A20B-3300 series contains many distinct processor card types serving different CNC functions. The 033x range within this series sits in the middle of the family — after the standard Pentium CPU modules (031x) and before the FSSB servo module range (039x-044x). Other confirmed A20B-3300-033x boards include:

A20B-3300-0331: Windows CE CPU PCB — this product A20B-3300-0312: Pentium 16MB CPU for 21i-B (adjacent family) A20B-3300-0390/0391: C5410A FSSB servo cards (later in the same series)

Application Scenarios

CNC PC function board fault: A FANUC CNC system with Windows CE-based PC function develops OS-level failures — the Windows CE environment fails to start or crashes, while the CNC itself continues normally. The A20B-3300-0331 is identified as the fault. Replacement restores the Windows CE PC function.

CNC control system maintenance: A FANUC CNC with a Windows CE interface undergoes electronics maintenance. The A20B-3300-0331 is replaced to restore the embedded Windows CE environment to known-good condition.

FAQ

Q1: Does the A20B-3300-0331 run the CNC machining functions, or only the PC function layer?

The A20B-3300-0331 is identified as a "WINDOWS CE CPU PCB" — it provides the Windows CE operating environment for the PC function layer. The CNC's core machining functions (servo control, interpolation, PMC execution) run on the CNC kernel architecture separate from the Windows CE environment. A failure of the A20B-3300-0331 affects the PC function interface but not the CNC's fundamental machining capability.

Q2: What version of Windows CE does A20B-3300-0331 support?

The Windows CE version supported by A20B-3300-0331 is determined by the FANUC software installed on the board and the applicable FANUC hardware and software maintenance documentation. Windows CE existed in versions 3.0, 4.x, 5.0, and 6.0 — each with different API compatibility. Confirm from the applicable FANUC system documentation which CE version this board supports.

Q3: Does replacing A20B-3300-0331 affect CNC parameters or programmes?

CNC parameters and part programmes are stored in SRAM and FROM modules on or near the CNC main board — separate from the Windows CE CPU PCB. Replacing A20B-3300-0331 does not affect CNC machining data. Any custom HMI applications or data stored within the Windows CE environment may require restoration from backup after replacement.

Q4: What industrial applications benefit from Windows CE on a FANUC CNC?

Windows CE on the FANUC CNC enables: custom operator touch screens (going beyond the standard FANUC MDI interface), local data collection without a PC, integration with plant-level systems using standard industrial communication protocols, and barcode/RFID reader interfaces for automatic part identification and programme selection.