IO-Link modules

What are IO-Link modules?

IO-Link modules are devices that connect binary sensors (on/off), analog sensors (0 to 100%), and actuators to an IO-Link Master using the open industrial digital communication protocol defined in the international standard IEC 61131-9, which offers bi-directional, point-to-point communication. The IO-Link Master is then connected to a control-level fieldbus such as PROFINET, Modbus, or EtherNet/IP, creating an interface between the field devices and the control system, simplifying connectivity and reducing cabling costs.

What are the main advantages of an IO-Link device and why you should use it?

Industrial sensors and actuators that are IO-Link capable can transmit valuable secondary data in addition to their primary measurements through the integration of IO-Link modules. Conventional digital sensors and analogue transmitters, however, are only able to transmit a single type of information.

IO-Link modules enable sensors and actuators to transmit secondary information to a control system, like the operating hours, alarms, status and events, making it easier to program a calibration, maintenance or a replacement of a critical component. Besides that, IO-link devices can be easily accessed, programmed and operated remotely, almost in a plug-and-play way.

Compared to analogue signals, which are susceptible to electromagnetic interference such as electrical noise and require shielded cables, IO-Link devices transmit data digitally using a pulse-modulated 24-V signal (UART). IO-Link modules act as the communication interfaces in this setup. This digital transmission ensures highly stable and reliable communication without the need for special cables. By default, 3- or 4-wire M12 cables are used, but other connector types, such as M5 and M8, are also used with IO-Link devices.

Because IO-Link transmits measured values digitally, there is no loss of accuracy when sending analogue signals. The information received by the control system is exactly what is being measured, without any deviations caused by analogue-to-digital converters.

Below it is listed the main specifications of IO-Link systems:

• Bi-directional point-to-point communication
• 24V pulse modulated signal (UART)
• Up to 20m distance between IO-Link Master and field devices
• 3 or 4-wire interface using standard M5, M8 or M12 unshielded cables
• Remote access to the device parameters, status, warnings, and events

IO-Link modules at Automation24: What do you need to start using it?

IO-Link modules are required to integrate IO-Link devices into a control system bus. Automation24 has a wide selection of IO-Link sensors under the category sensor systems including pressure sensors, volumetric flow meters, compressed air flow meters, laser sensor and many more.

For integrating IO-Link field devices to a control system bus, a compatible IO-Link Master should be selected based in your existing fieldbus communication protocol and the required number of inputs/outputs. For connecting the sensors and actuators to the IO-Link Master, you will find in the category connection technology a diverse selection of competitively priced sensor / actuator wiring solutions.

For configuring single-devices, a USB IO-Link interface ZZ1060 can be used in conjunction with the parameter setting system software QMP010 from the manufacturer ifm.