IO-Link

Hide All Open All

Technology
Advantages
Products
Applications

What is IO-Link?

Most sensors and actuators today are already equipped with microprocessors, which can be used for parameterization, storing configuration data, and controlling indication. The obvious next step is to overcome the bottleneck of the binary standard interface and make additional functions centrally accessible for the automation system.

IO-Link System Overview – click to enlarge –

For this reason a lot of well-known manufacturers from the field of automation have come together and developed a fieldbus independent communication interface for sensors and actuators:
IO-Link.

Compatibility with existing technologies was the primary objective during development in order to guarantee investment protection.

Technology

IO-Link is based on a point-to-point connection between the sensor/actuator and an interface module. Up to now, the binary connection was only designed for transferring switching information, but IO-Link now allows two bytes to be transferred normally in a 2 ms cycle via a combined switching status and data channel. Other information can be exchanged in addition to the process values, such as parameters or diagnostics messages. This enables communication with sensors and actuators down to the “last meter” to be established for universal communication.

Further Information

Efficient Processes

Exhaustive parameterization options for just in time parameter changes to devices
Efficient processes requiring different parameter sets for switching thresholds, gain, sensitivity and so forth due to differing production conditions
Faster tool change operations

IO-Link Reduces Machine Costs

Reduced inventory due to intelligent multi-purpose devices
Only one I/O module and one inexpensive standard cable required
Reduced I/O footprint possible
Displays and switches no longer required on devices
Reduced engineering and assembly costs and automatic documentation of device parameters during the engineering phase

Improved Machine Availability

Comprehensive status information and diagnostic capabilities in the plant lead to drastically reduced machine downtime
Enhanced information enables cost saving mechanisms such as predictive maintenance or asset management to be easily
implemented
Device replacement without manual intervention to parameterize the new unit alleviates the need for qualified personnel