IPC announces the release of IPC-2591 v1.3, Connected Factory Exchange (CFX), the plug-and-play industry standard for factory communication which sets the baseline for any company to achieve Industry 4.0.

IPC has introduced IPC-CFX Self-Validation and Equipment Qualification Systems. The IPC-CFX Self-Validation System is a cloud-based test bed for equipment vendors and manufacturing facilities to self-validate CFX messaging. The Equipment Qualification System establishes a CFX Equipment Portal with independent third-party validation of equipment.

IPC announces industry programs to support implementation and full utilization of IPC Connected Factory Exchange–IPC CFX. IPC CFX enables any manufacturing facility, large or small, to achieve Industry 4.0, IIoT and smart factory objectives. IPC CFX is a single-source, plug-and-play system supported by IPC-2591, Connected Factory Exchange (CFX), an open international standard developed by industry for industry. IPC CFX uses a secure license-free communication protocol that can reduce/eliminate reliance on middleware -- a constant source of headaches in smart factory implementation.

When the IPC APEX EXPO show floor opens on more than 20 equipment vendors, software providers and customers from across the electronics industry will participate in an IPC Connected Factory Exchange (CFX) Showcase. The IPC CFX Showcase -- a technological demonstration operating in real time -- will deliver standardized machine data from participating exhibitors through the cloud and onto visitors’ mobile phones.