Festo Festo's Smart End Plates for Remote I/O System Expansion

[Ahmet Ö.]

Festo enhances system flexibility with smart end plates developed for its CPX-AP-A remote I/O platform. This innovation simplifies communication, diagnostics, and power distribution across multiple machine zones, streamlining complex wiring requirements and commissioning processes.

### System Expansion with Smart End Plates

The smart end plates, EPLI and EPLI-S, extend the AP architecture's backplane, allowing new modules to be connected without the need for gateways or additional network addresses. EPLI extends communication and power transmission, while EPLI-S supplies power to connected modules. These solutions ensure that AP timing and diagnostics are maintained even over lengths of up to 50 meters.

### Features of CPX-AP-A Modules

• Based on distributed valve and I/O system technology developed with Festo expertise for over two years
• Modules operate as if connected to a single control system, allowing flexible mounting both in the cabinet and on the machine
• No need to add fieldbus nodes or device profiles for valves, I/O units, smart sensors, and safety functions
• Reduces network complexity and controller load with a single Industrial Ethernet address
• Offers high-speed communication and integrated diagnostic support

### Suitability for Next-Generation Modular and Hybrid Architecture

These smart end plates support modern modular system designs, making cabling and piping cleaner and system architecture more flexible. They offer an ideal solution for reducing cabinet density, shortening wiring distances, and accelerating machine construction time.

This technology developed by Festo provides a significant advancement in machine automation by meeting needs such as distributed power zones and remote I/O without duplicating network nodes or introducing additional protocol layers.

 

[Ali KIRATLI]

Very efficient