What are the differences in the process data for the SmartLights?

The extended process data can be recognized by the designation"102" in the order code.
The major difference lies in how the functionalities are controlled.
More process data is made available so that control/configuration can take place cyclically and directly.

Similar to Profinet or EtherCAT, IO-Link is divided into cyclical services (process data that is transmitted in a scheduled cycle) and acyclical services (data that is processed infrequently or only event-driven). In the signal light with a small process data image, only the data that changes dynamically in any case has been included.

Example: classic 3-segment mode with defined properties: The color must constantly adjust to the different machine states.

In the acyclic data, other parameters that change the properties of the SmartLight can be adjusted (e.g. flashing frequency, user-defined colors, mode, error messages)
The parameters can be read and controlled via external tools (web server of the BNI IO-Link master, Balluff Device Manger) or function blocks.

This is how it would look in the "extended process data" version:

The extended process data is helpful as soon as switching back and forth between chaser and segment mode or other parameters have to be changed frequently. If, on the other hand, only limited process data is available in the control system or if communication is to be streamlined, then the version with a small process image is advantageous.

Otherwise, there are no differences in appearance, the components used and possible functions between a SmartLight with and without extended process data (shown here using a 3-segment SmartLight without buzzer):
Both have the four function modes:

• Chaser mode
• Level mode
• Segment mode
• Flexi mode.