Festo Intelligent End Plates Simplify Remote I/O System Expansion
May 13, 2026
Festo introduces intelligent end plates for the CPX-AP-A remote I/O platform. This solution extends system communication, diagnostics, and power across multiple machine zones. For machine builders managing modular machines with multiple zones, these intelligent end plates simplify remote I/O expansion by reducing wiring complexity for setup and commissioning.
With intelligent end plates EPLI and EPLI-S, machine builders can scale remote I/O systems across independent machine sections without redesigning controls or duplicating power and networking connections. The location of I/O and pneumatic valves can be optimized to the point of use. The AP architecture maintains high-speed communication, unified diagnostics, and clean grounding across all segments. The intelligent end plate capability supports modern modular and hybrid system architectures, reducing cabinet density, shortening wiring runs, and speeding up machine building.
CPX-AP-A remote I/O terminals are based on over two decades of Festo expertise in distributed valve and I/O systems. Modules can be mounted together in a cabinet or placed individually across the machine – all appearing as one system to the PLC. This flexibility allows machine builders to locate valves, I/O, smart sensors, and safety functions exactly where needed, without adding fieldbus nodes or device profiles.
The AP architecture consolidates dozens of functions under a single industrial Ethernet address, reducing network complexity, controller overhead, and configuration time. It maintains high-speed communication and unified diagnostics across all machine zones, simplifying commissioning and maintenance while supporting scalable modular designs.
Intelligent end plates EPLI and EPLI-S extend the AP backplane beyond the first CPX-AP-A terminal or CPX-AP-I module, enabling the connection of additional terminals without introducing gateways or consuming additional network addresses. The intelligent endplate EPLI is a convenient and efficient way to extend AP communications and system power to downstream terminals and modules. In addition, power to connected terminals can be provided by choosing the EPLI-S. These two intelligent end plates give engineers full control over system architecture, cable routing, and power zones while maintaining AP timing and diagnostic fidelity across long distances (up to 50 meters [164 feet] between terminals and modules).
Festo’s design of the intelligent end plates preserves AP performance, bandwidth, and synchronization through each terminal and module. The result is clean field wiring and tubing runs, flexible power distribution, cabinet-free expansion to support modern machine cells, remote I/O and valve islands, and distributed power zones, without duplicating network nodes or adding protocol layers.
Engineers, OEMs, and integrators interested in evaluating EPLI and EPLI-S intelligent end plates within new or existing CPX-AP-A deployments should contact a Festo sales representative or distributor.
More Information
For more information on the advantages of working within the Festo ecosystem to leverage less engineering overhead, faster time to market, seamless connectivity, and high-quality components, visit www.festo.com.
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The Festo Group – Automation for a World in Motion
Festo is an independent family-owned company and a global player in automation technology and technical education, with headquarters in Esslingen a.N. (Germany) – with over 20,000 employees at around 250 locations worldwide, a turnover of 3.33 billion euros and an R&D rate of over 8%. As a partner in motion, Festo offers integrated and seamless pneumatic, electric and digital drive technologies across all industries – including software and AI solutions as well as customized training concepts – for 300,000 customers in over 35 industries in automation and 56,000 education customers worldwide.
