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Modular remote I/O system CPX-AP-A

Do you need to optimise and simplify the topology and cabling of your automation systems? Do you want to minimise the effort involved in project engineering and commissioning? With the modular remote I/O technology of the CPX-AP-A system, you can reduce the complexity of the architecture and achieve a flexible and decentralised configuration with real-time communication. Our Automation Platform connects remote I/O and valve terminals and helps to increase your efficiency, reduce costs and improve the overall performance of your automation solutions. The flexibility and scalability of the CPX-AP-A are significant factors for your success. Discover the wide range of possibilities offered by the CPX-AP-A and take your automation systems to a new level of efficiency!

You can find detailed information on remote I/O system CPX-AP-A in the downloadable brochure or you can order it directly from the shop.

An overview: the Automation Platform for real-time performance from Festo

Modern automation topologies ensure free and seamless connectivity, integrated in future-proof and compatible concepts for the flexible automation of entire machines or individual machine modules. This is independent of the network used and without restrictions, for the perfect interaction of pneumatics and electrics, making it communicative and intelligent – right into the cloud.

1. Remote I/O topology on CPX-AP-A

  • Freely scalable, flexible and powerful system architecture based on the Festo Automation Platform
  • AP uses a hybrid approach to combine modular CPX-AP-A and decentralised CPX-AP-I structures
  • The modular CPA-AP-A enables communication with the higher-level controller via a fieldbus module
  • The decentralised CPX-AP-I modules and other CPX-AP-A systems are connected via AP communication

2. Decentralised integrated CPX-AP-I modules

  • CPX-AP-I consists of various powerful I/O modules and the IO-Link master
  • The ultra-light and compact modules with degree of protection IP65/67 communicate with each other via AP in a line topology
  • The 24 VDC supply voltage is looped through from module to module or can be fed in again at any point

3. IO-Link® connection for electric drives and grippers

  • Up to 15 IO-Link master modules for 4 devices each on one CPX-AP-A terminal enable powerful decentralised point-to-point communication
  • Electric drives from the Simplified Motion Series as well as electric grippers can be connected directly
  • All IO-Link® products from Festo (e.g. valve terminals, vacuum generators or sensors) can be connected to the CPX-AP-A IO-Link master, and it is open for IO-Link® products from other manufacturers

4. Valve terminal topology

  • Modular complete terminal CPX-AP-A with valve terminal attached for direct mounting in the machine
  • Additional valve terminals can be integrated into the system via AP communication
  • Configuration of the topology and joint commissioning is flexible and quick, simple and reliable with the Festo Automation Suite

5. Decentralised integrated valve terminals

  • Needs-based and clear automation topology with decentralised installation of the valve terminal
  • User-optimised machine layout and free system design, both electric (remote I/O) and pneumatic (valve terminal)
  • Reduced overheads by using AP to connect the valve terminals to just 1 fieldbus module for communication with the higher-level controller

6. Connection of pneumatic actuators and grippers

  • Functional and highly modular valve terminal VTUX with a flow rate of up to 670 l/min, soon also with vacuum generation directly on the valve terminal
  • Connection of pneumatic drives and grippers, such as piston rod cylinders, mini slides, grippers or rotary actuators

7. AP communication in real time

  • Connection of two AP lines for decentralised system topologies to CPX-AP-A
  • These can be combined as required in any AP line: decentralised remote I/O modules CPX-AP-I and various valve terminals with AP interface, as well as modular CPX-AP-A as a stand-alone terminal or with a valve terminal
  • Highest performance of all participants in real time with 200 Mbaud data rate and 250µs cycle time
  • Up to 80 modules in an AP communication system with a cable length of up to 50 m between the individual participants

Samuel Haas, Controls Product Management, Festo SE & Co. KG

"You can adapt the automation architecture of your machine to your individual design philosophy at low cost and with little effort. Our seamless connectivity means you can freely combine remote I/O systems with electric and pneumatic automation, and you are always supported by suitable engineering tools."

Samuel Haas
Controls Product Management, Festo SE & Co. KG

Designing and using different topologies with CPX-AP-A

If you would like to find out more about the features and associated benefits of different topologies with remote I/O systems, then click through the gallery now.

Festo Automation Suite: quick and easy to commission the remote I/O system, the valve terminals and all AP participants

The PC-based software is clearly structured, has a graphically supported, user-friendly interface and is intuitive to operate, enabling simple and convenient configuration and parameterisation of remote I/O systems.

The complete AP topology with its remote I/O systems CPX-AP-A and CPX-AP-I as well as valve terminals and IO-Link® devices, such as electric drives from the Simplified Motion Series, sensors and vacuum generators or pneumatic proportional valves, can be commissioned quickly and easily. Supplemented by complete electromechanical servo drive solutions.