INTRODUCING IO-LINK

IO-Link is the first I/O technology for communicating with sensors and actuators to be adopted
as an international standard (IEC 61131-9). It enables continuous and intelligent communications at the sensor level, opening up new opportunities in automation in the manufacturing industry.

AN OPEN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD

As of December 2015, more than 100 companies, including major sensor manufacturers, have joined the IO-Link Consortium.

USING IoT TO BRING INNOVATION
TO MANUFACTURING SITES

The internet of things (IoT) is a giant of connected things from physical devices, vehicles, buildings to other items. They are embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable them to collect and exchange data.

THROUGH YEARS OF INNOVATION, IOT CAN NOW BE APPLIED TO THE INDIVIDUAL SENSOR LEVEL VIA IO-LINK

IO-LINK ENABLES COMMUNICATION
DOWN TO THE SENSOR LEVEL

How Does IO-Link Work?

It collects information held by the sensor/actuator through the IO-Link Master and via a fieldbus network into the host controller.

What Is The Core Value Of IO-Link?

IO-Link enables communication within the whole system to the sensor level. This integrated intelligence opens up new opportunities in automation which resolves current problems faced in the manufacturing industry.

IODD - Standardized Format of Data

All IO-Link Sensors have an IODD (IO Data Description) file that lists the type of instrument and its parameters. IODD files are globally common, therefore IO-Link Sensors can be used across different manufacturers.

OTHER FEATURES OF IO-LINK

Communications Of The On/Off Signals And Sensor Information

IO-Link Sending And Receiving Of Signals

IO-Link can send and receive in both directions not just ON/OFF signals but also sensor informations. The IO-Link baud rates are: COM 1: 4.8 kbps, COM 2: 38.4 kbps, COM 3: 230.4 kbps

Condition Monitoring/Batch Data Input is Available

The IO-Link master has multiple ports and an IO-Link Sensor is connected to each port. Unlike a fieldbus network, communications is one-to-one.

Uses 3-Wire Unshielded Cable

No dedicated communication cable required. Can Be Used With A Conventional 3-Wire Unshielded Cable Or Integrated I/F Connector

Because the IO-Link has both an IO-Link Mode which performs digital communication, and a Standard I/O (SIO) Mode which uses conventional contact input/output.

3-wire unshielded cable - Maximum Length 20m

Capable Of Intermixing IO-Link Sensors And Sensors
That Are Not Compliant With IO-Link

A Part Of The Existing Equipment Can Be Replaced With The IO-Link

You can connect an IO-Link Sensor and a Sensor/Actuator that is not compliant with IO-Link to a single IO-Link Master.

Hence in situations where you want to improve only one part of your existing equipment, such as when "errors often occur" or "I want to import sensor information", IO-Link Sensors can be mixed with non-supported sensors.