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The standard for Industry 4.0

IO-Link

With the advent of the 4th industrial revolution, comprehensive data and increased flexibility are essential during the production process. This requires smart sensors and actuators at field level.  IO-Link is an effective and efficient technology that optimally exploits the capacity of these sensors and actuators

What advantages does IO-Link offer?

IO-Link is the first globally standardised IO technology (IEC 61131-9) for communication with sensors and actuators, and is therefore a core technology for Industry 4.0.

Installation and setup times are minimised by establishing sensor parameters, e.g. via SensoIO. Saving the last set of parameters in the IO-Link master enables a quick and simple replacement of devices.

Thanks to IO-Link, additional information can be retrieved on operating hours, switching cycles and signal quality, enabling rapid reaction and targeted maintenance in the event of an error - thus avoiding unnecessary downtimes. Standardised technology ensures fast, error-free signal transmission. Incorrect or missing measured values are therefore excluded, and sensor adjustment is even possible while a process is running. With IO-Link, every production facility becomes a smart factory.

IO-Link sensors from SensoPart

By opting for IO-Link sensors from SensoPart, you benefit from numerous advantages:

  • Extended adjustment options through smart functions
  • Output of RGB color values
  • Absolute adjustable switching point in mm-range for all sensors with background suppression, as well as for distance sensors
  • Adjustable mean value filter for distance sensors
  • Output of signal quality, e.g. to monitor possible changes over time

Communication

  • IO-Link functions with all control systems using Ethernet-based fieldbus systems, such as EtherNet/IP and Profinet.
  • The control system and sensor communicate bidirectionally through point-to-point connection.
  • In terms of hardware, standard M5, M8 or M12 connectors are used, as well as unshielded 3, 4 or 5 wire cables, measuring max. 20 m in length.

Operating mode

IO-Link sensors can be operated in two different modes:
  • IO-Link mode
  • SIO mode (Standard I/O mode)
    In SIO mode, the sensor functions in the same manner as its conventional counterpart, so that IO-Link sensors can also be operated without an IO-Link structure.

IO-Link sensors can be operated in both IO-Link mode and classic Standard I/O mode.

Data types:
  • Process data: switching status or measuring distances
  • Device data: acyclic query of parameters, identification data and diagnostic information
  • Results: error messages and warnings

IODD

Each IO-Link device has an electronic device description: the IODD (IO device description) that can be interpreted and displayed on all IO-Link-compatible system environments. The IODD includes the following information:

  • Communication properties
  • Device parameters with value range and standard value
  • Identification, process and diagnostic data
  • Device data
  • Text description
  • Image
  • Manufacturer’s logo

Looking for the right IODD for your IO-Link sensor?

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IO-Link system architecture

IO-Link devices

IO-Link devices comprise all sensors and actuators that can be connected to the system. Our sensors with IO-Link offer multiple advantages in comparison to conventional devices. Take a look at our extensive portfolio:

IO-Link software

Our SensoTune software can be used to define sensor parameters, as well as to visualise process data, and is compatible with all sensors with an integrated IO-Link interface. The user interface is designed so that functions are read from the IODD. This allows, for example, a centralised adjustment of switching points without having to modify settings on the sensor itself.

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IO-Link master

The IO-Link master SensoIO enables communication with connected IO-Link sensors and the automation system. Both IO-Link and standard sensors and actuators can be connected to the control system through the IO-Link master.

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