Festo Expands CPX-AP-I With Flexible I/O and CC-Link Connectivity

Festo has expanded its CPX-AP-I decentralized I/O platform with a configurable 16-channel digital I/O module and a new bus node supporting CC-Link IE Field Basic. The CPX-AP-I-16DIO M12 lets engineers configure individual channels as inputs or outputs, reducing the need for separate fixed-function modules and making machines easier to adapt. Meanwhile, CC-Link IE Field Basic connectivity enables the same decentralized I/O architecture to connect directly with Mitsubishi Electric control systems, adding another network option alongside EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and Modbus TCP.

Festo has expanded its CPX-AP-I series with the new CPX-AP-I-16DIO and a CPX-AP-I bus node. Images used courtesy of Festo and Adobe Stock

Festo’s new additions are designed to give machine builders greater flexibility in configuring distributed I/O. Rather than selecting separate modules based on a fixed number of inputs and outputs, engineers can configure the new module to meet the machine's requirements. The CC-Link bus node takes a similar approach to network connectivity, allowing the same CPX-AP-I architecture to be used with another major industrial Ethernet protocol.

Configurable I/O Without Changing Hardware

The CPX-AP-I-16DIO M12 provides 16 digital channels that are configurable as inputs or outputs. Engineers can set the module up with a mix of inputs and outputs, such as an 8/8 configuration, or use all 16 channels as outputs. Selected output channels can also provide up to 500 mA for devices with higher current requirements.

Festo’s CPX-AP-I-16DIO-M12-5P provides 16 configurable digital I/O channels in an 8/8 configuration. Image used courtesy of Festo

Festo’s CPX-AP-I-16DIO-M12-5P provides 16 configurable digital I/O channels as an 8/8 configuration. Image used courtesy of Festo. Festo ships the module configured with all 16 channels as inputs, allowing it to be installed in its default state. Output functions are then enabled through software parameterization as needed. Each channel also has its own LED indicator to provide operating and diagnostic information during commissioning and troubleshooting. The M12 version of the module is available now.

The main advantage is reducing the number of dedicated I/O module configurations required for different machines. Instead of stocking separate input, output, and mixed-I/O modules for several designs, the same hardware can be configured differently for each application. This can simplify hardware selection while also making later machine changes easier to accommodate.

The module operates as part of Festo's larger CPX-AP-I decentralized I/O system, which distributes I/O modules, valve terminals, and IO-Link devices around the machine. A CPX-AP-I installation can support up to 80 modules, with distances of up to 50 m (164 ft) between modules. This allows I/O to be located closer to sensors, actuators, and other field devices, rather than routing every connection back to a central control cabinet.

CC-Link Joins the CPX-AP-I Network Options

Alongside the configurable I/O module, Festo has also introduced a CPX-AP-I bus node that supports CC-Link IE Field Basic. The addition is primarily intended for machines or companies that use Mitsubishi Electric PLC architectures and provides engineers with a direct way to connect CPX-AP-I decentralized I/O without adding a separate gateway.

Festo’s CPX-AP-I CC-Link IE Field Basic bus node connects the decentralized I/O platform to Mitsubishi Electric control systems. Image used courtesy of Festo

The new bus node also enables integrators to maintain consistent CPX-AP-I hardware configurations when adapting equipment for different controls or regional requirements. Engineers can change the network interface while retaining the distributed I/O system used elsewhere on the machine. With the addition of CC-Link IE Field Basic, CPX-AP-I supports industrial Ethernet options including EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT and Modbus TCP.

Festo's latest CPX-AP-I additions address both sides of decentralized I/O design. The 16-channel module provides greater flexibility in configuring inputs and outputs without changing the hardware. At the same time, the CC-Link IE Field Basic bus node extends the same platform to Mitsubishi Electric networks. Together, the additions give machine builders more options for adapting CPX-AP-I systems without changing the underlying decentralized I/O architecture.