IO-Link Master

What is an IO-Link Master?

An IO-Link Master is a system that is used to connect IO-Link field devices, such as sensors and actuators, to an automation system. This enables communication between a control unit or a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (or SCADA system, for short) and a field device. In other words, an IO-Link Master acts as a network node or gateway and converts the information from the IO-Link protocol to a bus protocol on the control level, for example EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, or Modbus.

What's more, some IO-Link Masters have an Internet of Things post (IoT port, for short), which, for example, allows the ERP system to receive information from IO-Link devices via IT-friendly standards such as the JSON and TCP-IP protocols. Because this separates the automation and IT networks, they work isolated from one another. This simplifies system integration and increases the general digital network security. This technology is particularly well-suited for Industry 4.0 applications.

Thanks to the bi-directional point-to-point communication of IO-Link, the ports on an IO-Link Master can be configured either as an input for sensor data reception, or as an output for the sending of data to an actuator. At the same time, an IO-Link Master supplies the connected devices with power.

In order that IO-Link Masters can be connected to one or multiple IO-Link systems, they must have been installed within a radius of no more than 20 metres.

If the number of IO-Link devices exceeds the number of inputs and outputs, or I/Os in the IO-Link Master, then multiple IO-Link Masters can be connected to one another in the form of a chain, or daisy chain.

IO-Link Masters can be mounted directly in the field or, provided additional water and dust protection is in place, they can also be mounted outside enclosures/control cabinets.

How do you choose the suitable IO-Link Master?

The selection of an IO-Link Master can be based on various criteria:

• Number of channels
• Type of fieldbus communication protocol
• Use in a control cabinet or field mounting
• Need for an IoT port

Because IO-Link is an open protocol, sensors or actuators from other manufacturers can also be connected to an IO-Link Master from a specific manufacturer.

IO-Link Masters from Siemens and ifm at Automation24: What do you need to get started?

At Automation24 you will find a comprehensive range of IO-Link Masters from reputable brands such as ifm or Siemens, at discounted prices.

For Industry 4.0 applications, the IO-Link Master DataLine ifm electronic AL1302 is exceptionally well-suited. Thanks to the integrated IoT port, this enables the simple integration of process values into an ERP system.

A single-channel IO-Link Master such as the IO-Link interface ifm electronic ZZ1060 - SET AL1060 IO-Link Master USB can be used together with the QMP010 parameterisation software from ifm in order to access and configure individual IO-Link devices via USB.

Within the Sensor systems category, you will find a wide range of suitable IO-Link sensors for various areas of application, for example, for pressure, flow, level, or temperature measurements.

You can find suitable sensor/actuator cabling, which you will need to connect IO-Link sensors to your IO-Link Master, in the Connection technology area.