Festo’s new decentralized remote I/O system expands design possibilities

Festo’s new, extremely compact CPX-AP-I decentralized remote I/O gives machine and system designers new possibilities to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of their projects.

Among the groundbreaking new products available from Festo Canada is the CPX-AP-I decentralized remote I/O system. This game-changing device has already earned Festo a Red Dot Design Award, an international product-design recognition awarded in Germany. The CPX-AP-I offers new ways for machine designers to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness in their projects.

Extremely compact and lightweight, the CPX-AP-I module fits nicely into machines and manufacturing systems that have limited installation space.

Connects with leading bus options

This remote I/O system can connect as many as 500 modules and valve terminals with leading bus options like PROFINET, Ethernet IP, EtherCAT, or PROFIBUS. Users can integrate it into all major host systems in a very flexible, scalable manner, with cable lengths of up to 50 metres between modules. With these features, the CPX-AP-I is perfect for assembly and handling technologies and for motion applications. Users can also integrate Festo valve terminals into the new system so that nothing changes regarding the pneumatic control sequence. It is also possible to connect the system to the cloud with Festo’s CPX-IoT gateway, enabling predictive maintenance of the VTUG, MPA-L, and other valve terminals.

In addition to limited installation space, the CPX-AP-I also fits handling and tool change systems in which space is at a premium and mobile applications that require low weight and minimum space use. But the remote I/O system suits any size. A bus cycle time of up to 15 microseconds and net data rate of 200 Mbaud allow up to 2,000 bytes I/O process data – perfect for quick, synchronous processes.

The CPX-AP-I is equipped with IO-Link technology and the IO-Link device tool. This simplifies commissioning, with no additional software tools required. The system also includes a plug-in for Festo’s free, PC-based Automation Suite software, which enables quick, easy commissioning.

With all of these exceptional features, the Festo CPX-AP-I I/O system offers the best price-to-performance ratio in the market for blending valve terminals and decentralized IO. Machine designers and engineers have new possibilities available to them to meet the requirements of conventional production and future digital production environments.

For more information, contact Festo Canada.

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