IO-Link: Standard for digital sensor and actuator communication
Is the digitalisation of assets a topic of the future? Far from it! IO-Link, the open digital communication technology for sensors and actuators, has long been established and is increasingly replacing analogue wiring as the standard. More than 60 million implemented nodes worldwide already ensure convenient control, regulation and optimisation of systems and processes in almost every industry. And the trend is rising rapidly.
The majority of our customers also already rely on IO-Link. For good reason. They have recognised that no other solution offers such simple wiring of sensors and actuators and provides a greater variety of additional information per sensor. The seamless connection to the IT level also makes it easy to carry out further data analyses.
As you can see: Whatever your goal, IO-Link is always the perfect choice. Regardless of whether you want to implement your sensor communication quickly and error-free, or whether you want to carry out holistic data analysis and sustainable process optimisation. Or both.
Don't miss out on the benefits of IO-Link any longer. Take advantage of it, just as thousands of companies around the world already do.
Reduced complexity
Scalable technology from simple binary on/off devices up to smart IO-Link enabled sensors provide complete process transparency that quickly integrates into existing controls architecture.
Reduced cost
Savings of approximately 50% per point on input cards without the need for analogue PLC cards. With ifm, there is often no impact on sensor cost because the communication is already available in most of our sensors.
Minimal changes
Replacing analogue communication requires few changes to controls architecture. And, each device can be connected using standard 3-wire unshielded cabling.
Improved product quality
The 100% digital signal is more accurate and reliable than an analogue signal. Processes are more repeatable. Predictive information from sensors provides continuous instrument verification.
Increased efficiency
Bidirectional communication between the process instruments and the controller allows for reduced cycle times for recipe changes.
Improve machine uptime
IO-Link enabled sensors minimise unplanned downtime to get machines up and running faster. The automatic device replacement feature automatically downloads parameters from an existing device onto a replacement device in seconds.
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Smart Factory Engineer
ManagementIO-Link communicates bidirectionally with sensors, actuators, and other devices connected to a master module using industry standard 3-wire cordsets. The master sends commands to the devices and the devices send digital process data to the master. Since the process data is purely digital and there are no A/D conversion losses, the data is more accurate and reliable.
Most IO-Link enabled devices also transmit diagnostic data, such as run-time and error codes to aid in predictive maintenance and improved process control.
IO-Link combines the best of all worlds with the functionality of analogue signals and intelligence of Ethernet communication at the cost of binary ON/OFF points.
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| Binary On/Off |
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| Amount of data | 1 bit | 16 bits | 32 bytes | Many bytes |
| Sensor diagnostics |  |
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| Remote sensor parameter adjustment | |
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| Automatic sensor parameter replacement | |
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| Standard sensor cordsets | |
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| Digital communication | |
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| Simplicity to integrate |  |
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| Cost |  |
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Sensors and devices
ifm offers one of the largest selections of sensors and other IO-Link-compatible devices. These allow users to install flexible controls systems for their manufacturing operations.
IO-Link masters and Ethernet modules
IO-Link masters provide solutions to acquire intelligent sensor data from IO-Link enabled sensors and actuators. The IO-Link master establishes the connection between one or several devices and the fieldbus system or higher level IIoT platforms.
The configurable IO-Link modules allow connection of conventional digital and analogue sensor and digital actuators via IO-Link.
edgeGateways
The edgeGateways from ifm provide secure remote connection to your IT infrastructure for convenient data transfer to cloud platforms, such as ifm moneo Cloud, Microsoft Azure IoT Hub, or AWS IoT Core.
Controllers
ifm's HMI controllers are programmable graphic displays for controlling, parameterizing, and operating industrial machinery. One HMI controller can replace a PLC, HMI, and multiple software licenses. IO-Link field devices can be connected mechanically, versus labor-intensive wiring harnesses.
moneo IIoT platform
Monitor machines, optimise processes and plan maintenance with our moneo IIoT platform. Benefit from direct sensor connection, fast implementation, PLC-independent operation and open protocol integration - simply plug and work.
