What advantages does this communication method offer for factory automation?

IO-Link is a globally standardised point-to-point connection for digital signal transmission. It enables intelligent, universal communication between sensors and control system. IO-Link thus satisfies the automation industry's desire to obtain additional measured values and diagnostic values through the already existing cable infrastructure. These data provide valuable information for long-term monitoring and process optimisation. This reduces costs, increases machine availability and makes processes more efficient. In other words: IO-Link simplifies automation.

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How does IO-Link work?

IO-Link devices communicate with the IO-Link master over a distance of up to 20 metres through unshielded standard cables. These masters are the link between the sensor and the main controller and are installed either in the switching cabinet or directly in the field. A master often has several IO-Link ports, to each of which a device can be connected.

The IO-Link hub is also a comparatively inexpensive way to establish a connection between devices and master. Multiple standard sensors and actuators can be connected to a hub and, thanks to the IO-Link interface, easily connected to a master – on just one port.

Every IO-Link device provides a suitable electronic device description for parameterisation – the IO Device Description, or IODD for short. It is comparable to a printer driver, by means of which the PC can find and control a printer in the network. The IODD contains important information such as

Communication properties
Device data
Device parameters with value ranges
Process and diagnostic data

For the connection, a space-saving M12 connector is specified as the standard. This ensures simple and uniform wiring, which also enables quick device replacement.

The adjustment software supports setup and commissioning

The IO-Link system is configured in several steps. First, the IO-Link master is integrated into the automation system and configured. Then, the IO-Link devices are parameterised with the help of an IO-Link configuration tool that clearly depicts the whole system, from the controller down to the field level.
The IO-Link configuration tools from the master manufacturers are able to import IODDs.

The most important tasks of the IO-Link configuration tool, i.e. the operating software, include:

assignment of devices to the ports of the IO-Link master
address assignment (I/O addresses of the process data) of ports within the address range of the IO-Link master
parameterisation of IO-Link devices

An additinal advantage is that the connected devices can be diagnosed with the configuration tool. IO-Link sensors can be parameterised directly from the control system during operation. This significantly reduces downtime, for example when changing products in a production line.

What else can IO-Link do?

IO-Link is a stable communication system. It transmits process data cyclically, i.e. continuously. The cycle time of a device can be set individually in the master. Beside the current measured values, sensors deliver other important data via IO-Link if required – for example, information on operating time, switching cycles or device wear. This can help to detect unplanned machine shutdowns in good time or prevent them altogether.

More about IO-Link | PROFIBUS User Organisation e.V.

The advantages of IO-Link at a glance

The handling of IO-Link is simple and intuitive. What is more, this communication method offers many advantages for factory automation, for example:

The consistent use of standard connections, like M12, makes it manufacturer-independent.
Additional measured values and simple diagnostics are possible and can be used for process optimisation or long-term monitoring.
IO-Link sensors and actuators can be parameterised and configured directly on the device itself as well as from some distance away.
Thanks to the Backup&Restore function on VEGA instruments, they can be easily exchanged. The parameters can also be saved in the port of the IO-Link master and transferred to the new IO-Link instrument.

All sensors and actuators equipped with IO-Link can be easily integrated into new as well as existing production systems thanks to the suitable connections and properties.