What is IO-Link?
IO-Link technology explained simply and clearly
IO-Link is a powerful communication standard (based on the IEC 61131-9 standard) for setting up intelligent solutions for industrial automation. The digital interface is a fieldbus-independent point-to-point connection and the first globally standardized IO technology that communicates from the controller down to the lowest level of automation and integrates sensors and actuators into the fieldbus level.
Why IO-Link?
As the level of automation increased, so did the need for intelligent field devices. A confusing multitude of interfaces with different mechanical and electrical characteristics emerged. Over time, the pressure for standardization increased. With IO-Link, a consortium of several companies developed a viable solution. Like USB in the PC world, IO-Link in automation leads to a considerable simplification of the installation with simultaneously extended diagnostic and parameterization capability.
Before IO-Link, the controller could only communicate up to the fieldbus devices. Communication up to the sensors/actuators was not possible. Only IO-Link makes sensors and actuators capable of communication. Now devices can be parameterized centrally, diagnostic information can be transferred from the device to the controller and process data can be exchanged digitally with high signal quality.
The IO-Link community of leading automation manufacturers, founded in 2006, promotes IO-Link with "USE":
- universal - IO-Link is an international standard (IEC 61131-9)
- smart - IO-Link enables the diagnosis and parameterization of devices
- easy - IO-Link leads to considerable simplification and cost reduction
Which system components does IO-Link require?
Cables: Regardless of the complexity of the devices, they can always be connected using the "plug-and-play" principle with the same simple 3-wire standard cable. Intelligent sensors and actuators as well as binary and/or analog devices can be connected with an unshielded three- or four-wire cable. The technology enables the exchange of process, event and service data in the best signal quality. The open standard also transports analogue signals without interference via digitalization.
IO-Link master: The IO-Link master is the heart of the IO-Link installation. The intelligent sensors and actuators are connected to the control system via the IO-Link master. It communicates with the control system via the respective fieldbus and downwards via IO-Link with the sensor/actuator level (gateway) and enables parameterization and diagnostics from a central location.
IO-Link sensors and actuators: The IO-Link-capable intelligent sensors and actuators are connected directly to the IO-Link master via IO-Link. This enables the simplest installation, best signal quality, parameterization and diagnostics.
IO-Link hub: The sensor/actuator hub exchanges signals with the binary and/or analog sensors and actuators and communicates with the IO-Link master via IO-Link. An IO-Link hub therefore has the task of bundling several standard I/O signals (such as digital inputs and outputs) and transmitting them to an IO-Link master via a single IO-Link port.
What are the reasons for IO-Link?
Seamless communication from the sensor to the internet is essential for fast, flexible and efficient production and for the connectivity that Industry 4.0 requires. At the same time, a growing volume of data needs to be managed. This requires components that make information available and an infrastructure that transports it across all levels. IO-Link offers a number of advantages that make it an attractive option for industrial automation.