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

At a glance: the Automation Platform for real-time performance from Festo

Modern automation topologies ensure free and seamless connectivity, embedded in future-proof and compatible concepts for the flexible automation of entire machines or individual machine modules. And this is independent of the network used and without restrictions: pneumatic and electric, communicative and intelligent – perfect interaction, right through to the cloud.

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

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

2. Decentralized integration of 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 IP65/67 degree of protection communicate with each other via AP in 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 of electric drives and grippers

  • Up to 15 IO-Link Master modules for 4 devices each on one CPX-AP-A terminal enable powerful decentralized point-to-point communication
  • Direct connection of electric drives from the Simplified Motion Series and electric grippers
  • All Festo IO-Link® products (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 attached valve terminal for direct mounting in the machine
  • Additional valve terminals can be integrated into the system via AP communication
  • The configuration of the topology and joint commissioning is carried out flexibly and quickly, simply and safely with the Festo Automation Suite

5. Decentralized integration of valve terminals

  • Demand-driven and clear automation topology with decentralized installation of the valve terminal
  • Consumer-optimized machine layout and free electrical (remote I/O) and pneumatical (valve terminal) system design
  • Connection of the valve terminals via AP to just 1 fieldbus module for communication with the higher-level controller reduces overhead costs

6. Connection of pneumatic actuators and grippers

  • Functional and highly modular VTUX valve terminal with a flow rate of up to 670 l/min, later 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 decentralized system topologies to CPX-AP-A
  • Can be combined completely freely in any AP line: decentralized remote I/O modules CPX-AP-I and various valve terminals with AP interface as well as modular CPX-AP-A as stand-alone terminal or with 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 up to 50 m cable length between the individual participants

Samuel Haas, Product Management Controls, 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 allows you to freely combine remote I/O systems with electric and pneumatic automation, – always supported by suitable engineering tools."

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

Structure and benefits of different topologies with CPX-AP-A

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

1. Fieldbus module

  • Bus interface for communication in Ethernet-based networks with the higher-level controller
  • With AP interface for communication with other AP participants (remote I/O, valve terminals)
  • Module can be freely positioned on the terminal and independent of the 24 VDC system supply
  • High data transmission rate, e.g. for I/O data from sensors, actuators, PLCs or process equipment
  • Transmission of non-real-time critical information such as diagnostics and configuration information
  • Sufficient Ethernet bandwidth to transmit real-time and non-real-time data in parallel

2. Intelligent end plate

Cost-effective and compact AP interface for additional AP participants

  • Modular remote I/O CPA-AP-A
  • Decentralized remote I/O modules CPX-AP-I
  • Valve terminals with AP interface

Two variants of the 24 VDC power supply for the remote I/O modules

  • Only 24 VDC output for additional AP participants (internal power supply from the terminal)
  • 24 VDC power supply for the remote I/O terminal and voltage output for additional AP participants (no power supply for attached valve terminals)

Real-time communication with 200 MBaud data rate and 250 μs cycle time

3. Input and output modules, IO-Link Master

  • All modules can be combined as required and can be flexibly connected in series
  • Digital and analog input and output modules up to 32-way in the future
  • IO-Link Master for any IO-Link® devices at field level, e.g. electric drives, proportional pneumatic valves, vacuum generator, sensors
  • Diagnostic LEDs for displaying the module operating status and connected sensors or actuators

4. Interlinking blocks without infeed

  • Transmission of voltage and communication from one module to the next and to the valve terminal
  • Connection of the blocks to each other using self-forming angled fittings
  • The connection can be loosened and retightened several times

5. Interlinking blocks with power supply

  • Power supply for the 24 VDC supply voltage for I/O modules and valve terminals (system and load voltage)
  • Variant for additional supply of the load voltage of outputs and valves to form voltage zones
  • Variant with 24 VDC forwarding supply for additional AP participants or external components

6. Pneumatic interface

  • Connection between the remote I/O and the attached valve terminal
  • Interface for VTUX and MPA-S with flat plate silencer, compressed air supply port and auxiliary pilot air
  • Interface for VTSA with module slot for any CPX-AP-A module, optional voltage supply and voltage forwarding, short-circuit shutdown and short-circuit diagnostics

7. Valve terminals

  • Application-optimized valve terminal variants with full range of functions mounted directly on the remote I/O
    • VTUX: highly modular
    • MPA-S: very compact
    • VTSA: sturdy and powerful
  • Complete electrical and pneumatic terminal in IP65/67 for direct mounting in the machine
  • Separated system voltage and load voltage

8. Material selection

Modules and interlinking blocks are made of sturdy, high-quality polymer with fiberglass

  • Flame retardant and halogen-free
  • Suitable for welding applications
  • High electromagnetic compatibility
  • No epoxy resin filling, making it environmentally friendly and easily recyclable

Metal is used wherever necessary because of standard requirements or for assembly

  • Metal fittings and connections on the system supply
  • Metal sleeves for shielding on plug connectors of the module
  • End plates and mounting elements, pneumatic interfaces

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

With its clearly structured and intuitive operation and graphically supported, user-friendly interface, the PC-based software enables simple and convenient configuration and parameterization 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.