IO-Link

IO-Link: The new standard at the fieldbus level

The IO-Link interface in our ultrasonic sensors gives you everything you need to implement continuous communication on all levels of the system architecture, right down to the sensor. In this way, both machinery and equipment can be run in a more productive manner. IO-Link can enormously simplify the startup and maintenance of either a machine or appliance.

Sensors with IO-Link

IO-Link in detail

Following every switch-on, the sensor is in the SIO mode (Standard-Input-Output-mode) and functions just like any normal ultrasonic proximity switch with Push-Pull output stage.

With the wake-up signal, an IO-Link enabled controller can transfer the ultrasonic sensor into the communication or IO-Link modes. The controller can now exchange both process and service data with the device.

Push-Pull output stage permits switching from SIO mode to IO-Link mode

An IO-Link master can have one or a number of inputs and outputs. Only one IO-Link device is attached at each input/output. A standard 3-wire cable joins up the sensors and actuators. This non-shielded line can be up to 20 metres in length. Mixed operation is possible thanks to complete compatibility to the SIO mode: at a master a number of sensors and actuators can be run in the IO-Link and others in the SIO mode.

Continuous communication permits process/service data to be transmitted between sensors/actuators and the controller.

An IO-Link system consists of IO-Link devices – mainly sensors, actuators or combinations of them – a standard 3-wire sensor/actuator cable and an IO-Link master.

Example of the system architecture

In the IO-Link mode the distances measured are cyclically transmitted to the master; thus the IO-Link mode can replace an analogue output at no significant expense!
Following a sensor failure, the controller can automatically re-load all the settings into the new sensor.
Reduction in planning outlay achieved from a standardised integration of devices into the controller via a manufacturer-independent IODD description file
Reduced startup times thanks to a centralized provision of data and parameters in the controller
Greater equipment availability levels coming from maximum transparency and system-wide diagnosis all the way down into the device itself

Each IO-Link-enabled sensor has a device-specific description file called IODD (IO Device Description). The IODD contains parameters in a standardized format and can describe multiple variants of a sensor. Included parameters are:

Communication features
Device parameters with permissible and preset values
Identification, process, and diagnostic data
Device data
Text description
Product image

The IODD library, as well as the information on parameterisation and the interface description (IO-Link companion sheet), is available on the respective sensor data sheet. The IODD library is downloaded as a zip file. The entire IODD library is also available in the download area.

IO-Link