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?
IO-Link system architecture
- SensoTune IO-Link SoftwareSensoTune IO-Link Software
- SensoIO IO-Link-MasterSensoIO IO-Link-Master
- IO-Link sensors from SensoPartIO-Link sensors from SensoPart
- IO-Link sensors can be operated in IO-Link mode or standard I/O modeIO-Link sensors can be operated in IO-Link mode or standard I/O mode
- PLC (e.g. Siemens TIA Portal)PLC (e.g. Siemens TIA Portal)
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.
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.
