Controlling machines with less wiring, more convenient diagnostics, monitoring and maintenance – Festo is now able to meet these user wishes with its CoDeSys Embedded Controller. The different variants of the CPX-CEC can be integrated directly into a CPX, the electrical terminal for valve terminals, thus providing high-speed pre-processing intelligence and all the installation advantages of the Festo world of valve terminals.

 

In combination with a controller CPX-CEC, the CPX terminal becomes a complete automation system with motion control for electric drives, as well as for pneumatic cylinders via valve terminals connected to the CPX terminal. The controller module enables freely programmable individual applications and simple multi-axis applications from point to point. It acts as a controller for all the connected CPX units and, above all, it can be programmed freely in CoDeSys.
 

Freely programmable
The CPX-CEC-C1 integrates seamlessly into the Festo modular mechatronic system to provide valuable additional functionality, enabling users to obtain matched mechanical components, electric drive systems, a motion controller and open programmability, all from a single source. In addition to enabling configuration of a complete CPX system in CoDeSys, the embedded controller contains function libraries for electric drives and also for the diagnostics and condition monitoring of pneumatic drives and systems with Festo Energy Monitoring (“GFDM embedded”).

Integrated CANOpen master
The CPX-CEC-C1 can be used to provide direct local solutions to control tasks without the need for an additional PLC. It can be used equally well for fast pre-processing with a fieldbus or Ethernet, or as a programmable valve terminal in stand-alone operation, or for the direct activation of electric drives or remote I/Os with the integrated CANopen master. The Ethernet node, which is also integrated, provides a connection to further decentralised controllers. This robust mini controller can be combined as desired with CPX I/O modules, technology modules and fieldbus nodes to form a tailor-made solution for any automation application.

AT meets IT
Monitoring machines from an office, configuring them and carrying out diagnostics via the Internet – CPX-CEC-C1 offers a direct connection between the worlds of automation and information technology. The built-in Ethernet interface not only enables devices to be networked together but also provides a convenient way of carrying out remote maintenance, gaining on-line access, downloading new applications and features and evaluating process data via TCP/IP and OPC server technology. This means that overall engineering costs can be reduced, faults can be diagnosed faster, downtime can be cut and costs resulting from machinery breakdown can be minimised.

With the embedded controller CPX-CEC, the Festo controller world can be networked even more closely for handling and assembly applications. There are matched interfaces to all the necessary components, such as drive controllers, motors or valve terminals. Is there a need for point-to-point motions? Should one particular position be smoothed out or is continuous path control required? The new world of Festo controllers is scalable and modular – and forms an integral part of Festo’s modular mechatronic handling system.