Networking made easy

Customer demand for simple plug and play valve terminals, which are easy to install and communicate with the network, has lead to the development of Festo’s VTUG range of cost-effective pneumatic terminals. The automation specialist has also developed a comprehensive set of tools, offering a complete package so it is as easy as possible for customers to set up the terminals.

The comprehensive pneumatic functionality of Festo’s VTUG terminal includes two 3/2 valves, 5/2 and 5/3 valves as well as pressure zoning, additional supply and sandwich plates and three sizes of valves, with more to come.

The valve terminals’ most notable feature is the electrical connections. The VTUG valve terminal is available with a multipin connection, providing communication through sub D connectors as well as flat cable connectors if required. However, the multipin connection can easily and quickly be changed for an M12 connector to provide an IO-Link connection and a network-ready valve terminal by removing four screws. This Fieldbus independent connection enables extended diagnostics of sensors and actuators above hard wired connections.

If a higher level Fieldbus or Ethernet network is required, then a CTEU node can be simply put onto the IO link port. The valve terminal then allows full communication including diagnostic data and parameterisation of the failure behaviour of the valves.