IO-Link® with CPX-AP-I:
Up to four IO-Link® devices can be integrated into the CPX-AP-I system per IO-Link® master, and several IO-Link® masters can be connected to a bus interface. This means up to 316 IO-Link® devices per bus interface are theoretically possible (depending on the respective performance requirements).
Any devices from Festo and third-party suppliers as well as Festo components can be connected to the CPX-AP-I automation system via the IO-Link® master module. Also, the parameter and master port settings can be conveniently carried out via the graphic interface of the Festo IO-Link® tool, integrated into the Festo Automation Suite. What's more, the IO device descriptions and plug-ins of connected IO-Link® devices are loaded so that parameterization can take place with just a few clicks.
System topology
Starting from the bus interface, one or two lines can be set up using the daisy chain principle. Together with the remote I/O system CPX-AP-A, a star topology is also possible.
Fieldbus communication
The bus interface is used to connect the CPX‑AP‑I to the higher-level controller via Ethernet-based bus protocols as well as EtherCAT or PROFIBUS.
AP system communication
The new AP communication technology combines a host PLC with IO-Link® devices, digital and analogue inputs and outputs, and data transfer to the cloud in a simple package. A unique feature is the flexible connection with the modular remote I/O system CPX-AP-A and the direct integration of Festo valve terminals into the diverse and flexible topology with remote I/O systems.
- Flexible topologies with the CPX-AP-I and CPX-AP-A remote I/O systems
- Simplified engineering without additional software
- Real-time communication to the valve terminal
Power supply concept
The CPX-AP-I automation system has separate cables for communication and power supply as well as two separate circuits
- Power can be supplied separately for each individual module or shared from module to module as a central supply
- Creation of voltage zones possible
- Stable data transfer
Modules of the CPX-AP-I
A CPX‑AP‑I automation system consists of the bus interface and at least one other input/output module or an IO-Link® master. In the system, up to 79 modules can be connected to the bus interface in any combination.
- Bus interface
- IO-Link® master
- Digital input/output modules
- Analogue input module
Festo Automation Suite
Integration in the commissioning software enables complete system topologies to be configured and parameterized with the CPX-AP-I and CPX-AP-A remote I/O systems quickly, easily and very conveniently, and then commissioned. In addition to remote I/O, this also applies to a wide range of valve terminals and IO-Link® devices such as actuators and sensors, as well as complete (electromechanical) servo drive solutions.
Decisive advantages:
- "Forcing" of process data without control and complex programming during commissioning
- Update the device firmware
- Access and download of the device description files
- Direct access to manuals
Digitalisation Industrial Internet of Things
When connected to the IoT gateway from Festo, CPX-AP-I communicates right up to the cloud via standard cloud protocols such as MQTT and OPC UA. This makes predictive maintenance and condition monitoring easily possible in the future.
Valve terminals directly integrated into the CPX-AP-I system
The AP system communication, included in all future valve terminals from Festo, makes it easy to incorporate these valve terminals into your application. Right now, existing valve terminal series like VTUG or MPA-L can already be easily integrated directly into the system via their AP interface. Additionally upgraded with new functions like a switching cycle counter or load voltage monitoring. It will also be possible to connect them to the cloud. This will pave the way for the use of intelligent tools such as dashboards for preventive maintenance and condition monitoring in the future.
