Control technology is at the heart of every system. It contributes significantly to optimised processes and movements as well as to higher cost efficiencies and improved productivity of the machine. Control technology is an essential part of an overall automation technology setup. It includes the design and implementation of the machine controller, i.e. the specific impact it has on the behaviour of pneumatic and electric systems. At Festo, we make a fundamental distinction between pneumatic and electropneumatic as well as electronic controllers.
Pneumatic and electropneumatic control units make designing logic sequences for pneumatic systems perfectly uncomplicated. Stepper modules are used in pneumatic applications to ensure a consistent program sequence. These are available from Festo as stepper module TAA or TAB. A stepper module chain consists of a certain number of command memory modules, also called double pilot valves. Our command memory module SBA-2N-PK-3 enables continuously recurring start, stop and holding functions to be linked, and can, of course, be combined with stepper modules TAA and TAB. The double pilot valves themselves are connected in such a way within the control technology that a switching step can only be triggered when it is actually needed. A stepper module is assigned to each individual step, thus creating a clear system structure at all times. The last component is the Festo pulse oscillator VLG, which can be used to generate infinitely adjustable signals in controllers. It is particularly suitable for fast movements with diaphragm cylinders as well as single- and double-acting cylinders.
Our electronic control technology consists of modern, compact and versatile programmable logic controllers. Different control systems are used in automation technology depending on the application area and industry. We currently offer electronic controller CECC, which enables programming with CODESYS according to IEC 61131-3. It has 12 digital inputs, 8 digital outputs as well as 2 high-speed counters up to 250 kHz. A USB interface enables the uncomplicated data transfer.
In the field of electrical peripherals, Festo offers modules and individual components for specific automation systems as well as complete automation platforms and control systems. The Festo range includes, for example, the two remote I/O systems CPX-AP-A and CPX-AP-I. On the Automation Platform (AP) up to 80 modules/valve terminals can be freely combined per bus interface for each system or when both are combined. Optionally with IO-Link® for simple and direct connection of sensors through bidirectional communication with extensive diagnostics and parameterisation of sensors and other devices. Also part of the Core Range is our fieldbus module CTEU, which is suitable for use with valve terminals VTUG, MPA-L and VTOC. Our other peripherals impress with features such as integrated diagnostics and maintenance functions, analogue input and output modules and a powerful remote I/O system. The automation system CPX-E can be used as a remote I/O or, together with the CODESYS controller, as a modern control system for motion control tasks. IO-Link® is an ideal addition.