FANUC A03B-0815-C002 24/16 I/O Expansion Module with MPG Interface for 0i/16i/18i/21i CNC

Product Overview

The FANUC A03B-0815-C002​ is an officially designated “I/O module for connection (expansion module A)” within the FANUC I/O Unit Model A family — more commonly known in the field as a branch-connection / base connection panel I/O expansion module with MPG interface. Manufactured in Japan, it is purpose-engineered to expand the discrete I/O capacity of FANUC CNC systems, providing 24 digital inputs (DI) and 16 digital outputs (DO)​ while adding a dedicated Manual Pulse Generator (MPG) / electronic handwheel interface​ — the single feature that distinguishes the A03B-0815-C002​ from its sibling modules.

In the I/O Unit Model A architecture, the FANUC A03B-0815-C002​ does not operate in isolation. It connects to a basic module (e.g., A03B-0818-C001​ or A03B-0815-C001) via FANUC I/O Link — a high-speed serial bus with a 2 ms transmission cycle — and up to three​ expansion modules (Expansion A, B, C) can be daisy-chained from one basic module. This yields a maximum of 96 DI points and 64 DO points​ per I/O Link group (24 per module × 4 modules), all addressed sequentially by the CNC’s PMC (Programmable Machine Controller). The A03B-0815-C002​ occupies the critical Expansion Module A​ position — and per FANUC connection rules, the MPG-equipped module must​ be located nearest the basic module in the chain, ensuring the handwheel signal takes priority on the bus.

The module’s value is threefold. First, it delivers reliable, noise-immune acquisition of 24 VDC discrete signals from limit switches, proximity sensors, pushbuttons, and relay contacts, while driving 16 transistor outputs to control indicator lamps, solenoid valves, magnetic contactors, and auxiliary relays. Second, its integrated MPG interface​ allows an operator’s manual pulse generator (electronic handwheel) to be connected directly to the connector panel — without any external adapter board — enabling the precise, incremental axis jogging that is indispensable during tool setting, part alignment, and manual machining. Third, as a genuine FANUC OEM component, the FANUC A03B-0815-C002​ maintains full protocol and pin-compatibility with the installed I/O Unit Model A base, preserving original PMC address maps, CB150 wiring, and field cabling without modification.

With a rugged industrial enclosure rated for 0 °C to +55 °C operation, ≤75% relative humidity, and natural-convection cooling, the FANUC A03B-0815-C002​ is built for continuous 24/7 duty inside CNC control cabinets. Its compact footprint — approximately 200 × 50 × 40 mm and weighing roughly 0.45 kg — minimizes panel space while delivering the I/O density and handwheel capability that modern machine tools demand. For machine builders and maintenance teams managing mature FANUC 0i-D and i-series installations, the FANUC ​ is the definitive like-for-like replacement that keeps proven automation assets productive.

Technical Specifications