18
Nov
Many integrators built successful projects on the long-serving EasyIO F-Series, but over time the limitations became clear. Ageing hardware, legacy tooling and inconsistent behaviour across larger sites often added engineering overhead that technical teams could have done without. The new EasyIO Neo Series of IP-based edge controllers is designed to address those issues directly, providing a modern platform with stronger performance, enhanced security and a structured upgrade path for existing FS/FW applications.
Product literature is available at the end of this post. Neo Series is available for shipping from Johnson Controls from November 20th, 2025.
Why Neo Series Edge Controllers Matter for Technical Teams
The value of the EasyIO Neo Series is not confined to new hardware, but in how effectively it resolves long-standing challenges found in F-Series deployments.
Where the F-Series relied on older processors, Sedona logic and CPT tooling, Neo delivers an updated platform with:
- Industrial-grade CPU performance for modern BMS workloads
- Modern security including TLS 1.3, SHA-256 and 802.1X
- A unified HTML5-based engineering environment
- A fully modular I/O architecture supporting diverse job sizes
- Built-in MQTT, REST API and SQL-lite at the edge
Key Differences Between EasyIO F-Series and EasyIO Neo Series
| Area | EasyIO F-Series (FS/FW) | EasyIO Neo Series (EC/CW) |
|---|---|---|
| Controller class | Legacy network controllers used widely on small to medium projects and early IP/BACnet deployments. | New-generation IP-based edge controllers designed for current BAS and IT requirements. |
| Engineering tool | CPT Tool with Sedona-based programming and legacy graphics workflow. | Unified HTML5 engineering environment with modern browser-based access and updated workflows. |
| Core platform | Single-processor Sedona controllers with older hardware and OS stack. | Dual-processor ARM architecture running a modern Linux kernel, with dedicated I/O processing and higher performance. |
| Protocols | BACnet, Modbus and web services support, typically focused on site-level integration. | BACnet/IP and MS/TP, Modbus RTU and TCP, with HTML5 web server and SQLite database as standard, plus extended integration through Neo Sedona kits. |
| Security model | Pre-dates current IT hardening expectations; limited options for certificate-based and policy-driven security. | Designed with TLS up to 1.3, 802.1X, certificate management and a published hardening guide for enterprise networks. |
| Data & dashboards | Dashboard and logging available but constrained by older hardware and toolchain. | Local trends using SQLite, HTML5 dashboards and updated Sedona kits for reporting, analytics and integration. |
| I/O architecture | Fixed I/O per controller; expansion less modular and more panel-specific. | Modular I/O built around CM-485 and SM-series I/O modules, supporting up to 80 points per chain and cleaner panel layouts. |
| Typical role going forward | Maintain and support existing installations, provide like-for-like replacements where estate continuity is the priority. | Recommended for new projects, major upgrades and F-Series migrations where long-term support, performance and security are key. |
Architecture Overview: EC and CW Edge Controllers
The Neo platform includes two families of IP-based edge controllers, supported by modular I/O and a supervisory environment:
- EC Series high-performance IP edge controllers for plant and large systems
- CW Series Wi-Fi + IP controllers for distributed and retrofit applications
- CM-485 communication modules and SM I/O modules for expansion
- The ES Supervisor for centralised visualisation and engineering
Use Cases
- Small Plantrooms
- Packaged Equipment Control
- FCU and Terminal Unit Control
- Distributed Mechanical Zones
- Campus and Multi-Building BAS
- Legacy F-Series Migration
- IoT and Cloud Analytics Integration
- Edge-Based BMS Architecture
EC Series: High-Performance IP Controller On the Edge
The EC Series (EC-1208, EC-1616) provides the main control layer for plantrooms and larger core systems. Capabilities include:
- High-performance ARM CPU suitable for complex multi-equipment strategies
- BTL B-BC certification for BACnet/IP interoperability
- Integrated HTML5 web server for configuration and diagnostics
- Onboard SQL-lite for trends and data retention
- Native BACnet, Modbus, MQTT and REST API
- Certificate-based VPN for secure engineering access
CW Series: Wi-Fi + IP Edge Controller
The CW Series expands Neo into decentralised and retrofit environments, offering:
- Dual Ethernet plus integrated Wi-Fi (AP, client and repeater modes)
- Embedded HTML5 dashboards for commissioning
- SQL-lite storage for local diagnostics
- Native BACnet, Modbus, MQTT and REST API
- I/O configurations suited to FCUs, TUs and small plant
Practical Opportunities on Smaller Jobs
The EasyIO Neo Series brings meaningful capability to small and mid-sized projects.
1. Small plantrooms and packaged systems
A single EC edge controller can operate as a complete BMS-in-a-box with local control, dashboards, alarms and data storage.
2. Distributed TUs and FCUs with minimal cabling
CW edge controllers remove the need for extensive cabling or managed switches, ideal for heritage and fitout environments.
3. Energy and performance monitoring at the edge
Local SQL-lite and MQTT support make Neo suitable as an energy node for cloud analytics.
4. Migration from existing F-Series logic
FS/FW sequences can be retained using the formal Neo Migration Tool.
Where Neo Fits on Larger, Complex Projects
For larger BMS estates, the Neo Series functions as a resilient and scalable edge controller layer.
1. Large plant control
The EC Series offers the processing capability and protocol stack needed for AHUs, CHW and boiler plant.
2. Distributed resilience
Each edge controller includes SQL-lite, dashboards and alarms, ensuring continued operation even if a supervisor goes offline.
3. Multi-controller engineering efficiency
Features such as batch firmware updates and reusable graphics help reduce deployment time.
4. Scalable distributed I/O
EasyIO Neo Series I/O Modules: CM-485 and SM Expansion Modules
The EasyIO Neo Series uses a modular I/O architecture built around the CM-485 communication module and the stackable SM signal modules. This approach keeps panel design flexible while allowing projects to scale from small plantrooms to larger distributed BMS installations without over-specifying hardware.
CM-485 Communication Module
The CM-485 module provides the RS-485 interface required for BACnet MS/TP or Modbus RTU expansion. It acts as the communication bridge between the Neo Edge Controllers and any attached SM signal modules. A single CM-485 can support up to ten stacked I/O modules on the DIN rail, giving a combined total of up to eighty physical I/O points.
SM-Series I/O Modules
The SM range provides dedicated signal types for clean expansion. Each module includes onboard status LEDs, removable terminal blocks for straightforward wiring, and 16-bit ADC resolution for accurate sensing and actuation.
SM-16UI: 16-channel universal input module supporting thermistors, resistive sensors, dry contact inputs and 0–10 V signals.
SM-16DI: 16-channel digital input module for clean contact monitoring across larger systems where high input density is required.
SM-8AO: 8-channel analogue output module providing 0–10 V control suitable for valves, dampers and analogue-driven actuators.
SM-8DO: 8-channel digital output module delivering reliable switching for contactor coils, relays and general-purpose digital loads.
IO-1006 / IO-0602 / IO-2000: Compact Neo Series I/O modules offering 8, 16 or 20 mix-type points for projects that need balanced I/O counts in a smaller enclosure footprint.
RM-0102: Relay module offering 1 analogue input and 2 relay outputs for on/off equipment control. This is particularly useful where a small number of relays are needed without deploying a full digital output module.
This modular approach ensures that the Neo platform scales cleanly without forcing unnecessary controller upgrades, while keeping installation and wiring layouts consistent across EC and CW edge controller deployments.
Migration Path for Existing F-Series Estates
The structured Migration Tool is one of the most valuable elements of the Neo edge controller ecosystem.
- Converts FS/FW application files, kits and graphics
- Preserves existing control logic
- Supports phased upgrades across live estates
Legacy F-Series controllers do not become Neo devices, but their logic can be transferred to new EC and CW edge controllers and integrated via BACnet or Modbus.
F-Series vs Neo
- F-Series remains suitable for continuity and maintenance of existing estates.
- EasyIO Neo Series is the recommended choice for modern designs requiring secure, resilient and scalable edge controllers.
IBC currently has the classic F-Series controllers in stock – contact a rep Contact IBC for more information or for a quote.
Summary
The EasyIO Neo Series is a fully updated control platform centred on robust, secure and scalable edge controllers. It addresses real issues experienced in legacy deployments while aligning with modern BMS and IT standards.
For smaller projects, Neo provides standalone capability and built-in visualisation. For large systems, it delivers distributed resilience and scalable I/O modules. For legacy F-Series estates, it offers a clear migration path that protects engineering investment while moving sites toward a more sustainable architecture.
IBC will continue to support F-Series where required, but will guide new projects and modernisation work toward the EasyIO Neo Series as the long-term platform for commercial HVAC and BMS control.
