Festo has introduced a configurable digital I/O module that allows machine builders to use the same hardware for different input and output requirements, reducing the number of modules they need to specify, stock and support.
The CPX-AP-I-16DIO M12 provides 16 channels that can each be configured as a digital input or output. The module can be configured channel by channel, split into eight inputs and eight outputs, or set up with all 16 channels as outputs.
Selected output channels can supply up to 500mA for higher-current devices. The module is supplied with a default 16-input configuration, while output functions can be enabled through software parameterisation.
Individual LEDs on each channel provide operating and diagnostic status, helping machine builders with commissioning and troubleshooting.
The module forms part of Festo’s CPX-AP-I decentralised I/O platform, which distributes I/O, valve terminals and IO-Link devices throughout a machine. The platform supports up to 80 modules, with distances of up to 50m between modules.
Festo said the configurable approach allows machine builders to design I/O around individual machine requirements rather than relying on fixed input and output module configurations. It can also reduce the number of hardware variants that need to be engineered and maintained.
The company has also introduced a CPX-AP-I bus node supporting CC-Link IE Field Basic, enabling the decentralised I/O platform to connect directly to Mitsubishi Electric architectures without additional gateways or custom engineering.
The new bus node allows the same CPX-AP-I architecture to be used across different industrial Ethernet networks, with the platform also supporting EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT and Modbus TCP.
Festo said the combination of configurable I/O and expanded network connectivity is intended to reduce engineering effort and make it easier to adapt machine architectures for different applications and markets.
