New CPUs!

AutomationDirect have released several new additions to the popular Productivity1000 family of controllers; P1-412 and P1-622. These two new CPU units offer exceptional value and are the next generation of the existing P1-540 and P1-550 CPUs. These new CPUs have all the functionality and hardware features of the original models, including multiple built-in communication ports/protocols, USB programming, and a microSD card slot, plus they utilise the latest system architecture allowing them to take advantage of current and future software enhancements. On top of that, the P1-412 and P1-622 support the secure MQTTS protocol and are less expensive than their older counterparts. 

The table above compares the different communication options and I/O modules between the new and existing P1000 CPUs. *P1-622 and P1-412 CPUs also support MQTTS.

New Mini PLCs!

In addition to the new P1000 CPUs, AutomationDirect have also released the Productivity1000 Mini PLCs. These units are the first-ever standalone models for the Productivity family with built-in I/O, combining the CPU and I/O into a single unit. Other Productivity series require you to buy the I/O and CPU separately, but with the Mini series, you get a choice of models with embedded discrete or analog/temperature I/O. This design provides significant cost savings, especially with smaller systems. The Mini PLCs include all the great features of the Productivity family including multiple communication ports/protocols, USB programming, and integrated GS drive, Protos X field I/O, and PS-AMC support (P1-M622 only). 17 different models are available to choose from, and each model can be expanded for systems with greater I/O needs.

The Mini PLC comparison table above provides a quick overview of the different features and communication options between the three models.

Numerous Ports and Protocols

As with all of the Productivity family controllers, the Mini PLCs provide ample communication with several onboard communication port options and numerous supported protocols. Mini models are programmed with the same user-friendly Productivity Suite PLC software as all the other Productivity controllers, providing for fast and easy code development.

The Productivity1000 Mini comes with up to 5 built-in communication ports for easy connectivity to your PC or various industrial networks. Specifications vary between models.

USB C
All models include a USB C port for easy plug-and-play programming.

Serial Ports
Up to two serial ports are included on the Productivity1000 Mini PLCs for communication to peripheral devices:

• (1) RJ12 port for RS-232 devices
• (1) 4-wire screw terminal for RS-485 multi-drop devices (select models)

These ports provide Modbus RTU Master/Slave capability, ASCII In and Out capability and Custom Protocol over Serial capability. The RS-485 port can support up to 50 multi-drop devices (more if repeater is added to network).

Ethernet Ports
Select Productivity1000 Mini models include one or two 10/100 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet ports, depending on the CPU model. A 10/100 Mbps (select models) RJ45 Ethernet port is provided for PLC programming and/or Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, MQTTS, and custom UDP/TCP connections. A second 10/100 Mbps Remote I/O (select models) RJ45 port is available for easy connection to GS series variable frequency drives, PS-AMC motion controllers, Protos X field I/O, and Productivity1000 remote I/O (P1-RX) modules.

10/100Mbps multipurpose Ethernet port supports programming, monitoring, firmware upgrades and a mixture of the following client/server connections:

• Up to 16 Modbus TCP Client connections (CPU Master)
• Up to 16 Modbus TCP Server connections (CPU Slave)
• Up to 32 EtherNet/IP Scanners (CPU Master)
• Up to 4 EtherNet/IP Adapters (CPU Slave)
• 4 cloud connections using MQTTS

Productivity1000 Mini PLC | P1-M622-15DD2

Select models offer a total of 128 EtherNet/IP connections and over 5000 EtherNet/IP messages per second with support for both Explicit and Implicit (I/O) messaging for greater functionality.

The Productivity1000 Mini PLCs also provide a Custom Protocol over Ethernet (CPE) option which gives the user the ability to create their own communications protocol between the Productivity series CPU and a 3rd party Ethernet device via TCP or UDP.

The ProNET feature allows any P-series CPU to seamlessly share data by publishing to or subscribing to data from other P-series CPUs. Up to 32 publishers and/or subscribers are allowed per CPU.

Data Logging

Select models allow for up to 32GB of historical data to be saved to a removable microSD card (sold separately).

Local I/O Expansion

You can stack up to 4 I/O modules onto the Productivity1000 Mini PLC (depending on model) for a total of up to 80 local discrete I/O points or 40 local analog I/O channels. I/O expansion modules support:

• Discrete
• Analog
• Temperature
• Relay
• High Speed
• PWM

Productivity1000 Mini PLCs require no base or backplane and can easily be expanded with up to 4 snap-on I/O modules for a total of up to 80 local discrete I/O points or 40 local analog I/O channels. The I/O modules can be added or removed using the single latch mechanism on the topside of each module. This stackable design allows you to purchase only the I/O required for your particular application.

Built-in Accessibility

• The single top-side latch on every I/O module provides free and clear access to the latching mechanism when adding/removing I/O modules.
• The pivoting wire cover on each I/O module displays the wire label in any position so it's visible at all times.
• A fulcrum lever is designed into every I/O module for easy terminal block removal.

Slim Stackable Design

The super slim form factor requires minimal panel space and the stackable design allows for simple I/O expansion.

Multiple Wiring Options

Choose from spring clamp, screw terminal or the popular ZipLink wiring solution for your I/O wiring needs.

Timesaving Tag Names!

Export your tag name database from the Productivity1000 and import it into C-more software to jump start your HMI development. No more digging through your notes, or hunting through your ladder logic to find the right tag name. Connect up to 16 C-more HMIs to the Productivity1000 via Ethernet for control and visibility of your process/machine from anywhere in your factory.

Remote I/O Expansion Module

The P1-RX module adds remote I/O capability to select Productivity1000 Mini PLCs, providing up to 512 remote I/O points (4 remote bases with 8 modules each).

Power Supplies

The Productivity1000 Mini series PLCs do not support the standard Productivity1000 series power supplies. But don't worry, we have a huge selection of industrial power supplies available for you to choose from such as RHINO and our low-cost AchieVe models.

All article contributions and figures courtesy of AutomationDirect.

For more information about the new Productivity1000 CPUs, Mini PLCs or our PLC range, get in touch with our experienced technicians.

Local (07) 55 353217   |   AUS 1800 633 040   |   NZ 0800 633 040

February 2026. This publication may contain references to products produced and/or offered by other companies. The product and company names may be trademarked and are the sole property of their respective owners. Direct Automation Pty Ltd disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. All prices shown are trade prices and are exclusive of GST. Prices are subject to change, orders will be accepted at the pricing ruling at the time of our acceptance of orders. Please refer to our online store for current prices. Images for display purposes only and may be generic.