IO-Link: Weltweit offener Kommunikationsstandard

Higher performance with less effort

IO-Link sensors from octogon open up completely new options for the user. From simple and quick commissioning, to additional information available for machine monitoring, to transparency from the machine to the ERP: IO-Link offers a convincing increase in efficiency and cost savings in every respect. See for yourself!

What is IO-Link?

IO-Link is the first globally standardized IO technology (IEC 61131-9) for communicating with sensors and actuators. The powerful point-to-point communication is based on the long-established 3-wire sensor and actuator connection without any additional requirements for the cable material. IO-Link is therefore not a field bus, but the evolutionary development of the previous, tried-and-tested connection technology for sensors and actuators.

How does IO-Link work?

The signal transmission is initially conventional, i.e. without IO-Link in the so-called SIO mode (standard IO mode). Only when a "wake up" is carried out via the IO-Link master using a defined command is the digital IO-Link communication started. Standardized data packets are then exchanged bidirectionally via a serial protocol. Configuration parameters can now be transferred centrally from the controller to the sensor and measured values and diagnostic data from the sensor to the controller.

The IO-Link functionality of the sensor is mapped in a device description file (IODD – IO-Link Device Description, xml file) and must be saved in the IO-Link Interpreter Tool used.

Technical information about IO-Link:

Data rate: 4.8 / 38.4 / 230.4 kBaud
Max. cable length: 20 m, unshielded
Typical cycle time: 2 ms
Connection type: point-to-point, serial, bidirectional, half-duplex
Standard connectors: M5, M8, M12

IO-Link advantages

Efficient and cost-saving – the IO-Link advantages

The IO-Link communication interface offers tangible advantages: fast and cost-effective installation, continuous diagnostics and the rapid replacement of sensors. This is because they can be parameterized from a central location. The bottom line is that this brings more flexibility and increases the efficiency of automation.

IO-Link is easy to install

For IO-Link, an industry-standard three- or four-wire standard cable is sufficient. The uniform standard interface can therefore be quickly integrated into the fieldbus world. Even complex devices can be easily integrated. What is particularly interesting is that digital communication ensures immunity to interference even without expensive shielded cabling. Analog signals are digitized without conversion losses.

IO-Link increases machine availability

IO-Link enables sensors to be replaced quickly and without errors and shortens the time required to commission a system. Downtimes can be significantly reduced because the parameters of a replaced IO-Link sensor are automatically written to the new sensor by the IO-Link master or the controller. Commissioning, format changes or recipe changes can be carried out centrally using the controller's function blocks. This saves you time and reduces the potential for errors to a minimum. Another advantage for you: IO-Link devices cannot be swapped because they can be automatically identified via IO-Link.

IO-Link enables demand-oriented maintenance

Continuous diagnostic data of the entire process extends your maintenance intervals, as you have to maintain systems and machines much less often thanks to automatic readjustment via IO-Link. Predictive error detection is now also possible, as the complete process parameters are consistently displayed in the control system.

IO-Link makes operations more efficient

IO-Link sensors can be positioned in the machine directly at the point of operation because the accessibility of the sensor no longer plays a role. This is optimal in terms of process technology. Process monitoring, parameterization and error analysis of the IO-Link sensors take place in the control system. Machine processes are thus optimized in terms of time. In addition, signal delays and distortions are excluded. This is because digital data transmission ensures high signal quality. Extensive application requirements can be easily implemented with IO-Link. This is because binary and analog standard devices can be used simultaneously with IO-Link sensors and actuators.

IO-Link offers a powerful, seamless network

Control concepts with IO-Link provide simple and universal solutions for a powerful, end-to-end network, so that you benefit from low costs with the universal interface and are more flexible than ever.

The IO-Link advantages are obvious: easy installation, high machine availability, needs-based maintenance, efficient operation and a powerful, consistent network. As a committed partner for industrial automation, octogon not only offers an enormously broad range of products and services, but also works with you to develop solutions for industrial automation that are precisely tailored to your requirements and can be used worldwide.

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