More information, increased process efficiency thanks to digital sensor data
Sensors precisely detect varied measured values. Already processing of measured values in the sensor generates valuable secondary information. Sensors with conventional analog or binary output signals are not capable of information exchange with control or IT systems. Standardized digital communication interfaces, however, can forward such secondary information for use in higher-level systems. The use of digital sensor data is not an end in itself but can significantly improve your business processes.
What is IO-Link?
IO-Link is the IO technology worldwide standardized in IEC 61131-9. It enables vendor-independent digital, bidirectional point-to-point communication. For doing so, sensors are interconnected to an IO-Link master by standardized 3-wire plug-in cables. IO-Link is available for varied sensor technologies and also integrates in miniaturized sensors.
The IO-Link master clustering several sensors connects the controller via the respective fieldbus system. Furthermore, an Ethernet-based master connection (with OPC UA) enables direct communication between sensors and IT systems. IO-Link masters are available as a field device for decentralized installation or as a version for installation in control cabinets. Many manufacturers also offer controllers with IO-Link input terminals for direct implementation of the IO-Link master. The maximum cable length between sensor and master is 20 m. However, significantly longer sensor/controller connections are enabled by connecting a field master to the fieldbus system. This will provide you with maximum connection flexibility.
Your benefits
Cost-effective & reliable connection
- Connection of sensor and IO-Link master using standard 3-wire cable
- Vendor-independent, international communication standard
- No loss of digital signals in transmission to the controller, no conversion effort
Advanced setting options
- IO-Link provides additional functionalities and settings such as free selection of switching points, adjustable measuring ranges and filter functions, and many more. This way the sensor is precisely and reliably configured to the application.
Secondary data
- Absolute process transparency based on real-time data
- Analysis data for plant and sensor status condition monitoring, e.g. for predictive maintenance
- Direct digital evaluation of process, identification and parameter data
Improved flexibility
- Easy reparameterization during format or profile alignments in running production allows for maximum flexibility and machine uptime
Fast sensor exchange
- Automated parameter adoption in the event of sensor exchange
Easy & safe usability
- Intuitive visualization of sensor settings and function monitoring via smartphone, tablet or PC
- Integrates directly into engineering tools
- Access lock for local parameterization
Secondary data
Data is the most important basis for process and product optimization. IO-Link makes valuable secondary data accessible:
Operating modes
SIO mode and IO-Link mode
Each IO-Link master port can be operated either in SIO mode (standard in-out mode) or in IO-Link mode for information processing of any sensor. Sensor function in SIO mode is like the conventional counterpart. Measured values and switching states are transmitted to the controller via digital or analog outputs. In IO-Link mode, the digital sensor output is used as a bidirectional serial interface for both measurement and diagnostic information exchange. This mode also enables sensor reconfiguration.
By default, every cycle provides 2 bytes of process data. Users may also select larger data packages (frame types). This allows for transmission of higher volumes of process data with a length of up to 32 bytes within a correspondingly slower cycle time.
Dual Channel
Some sensors feature one or more dual channels for transmission of additional input and output signals in parallel to the IO-Link channel. This enables implementation of different control concepts.
IODD
IO-Link Glossary
Applications
Downloads
Brochures / Catalogs
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Brochure - Digitalization starts with the sensor - Valuable secondary data for easy use via IO-Link
