- IO-Link benefits
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- SolutionBlock IO-Link master
SolutionBlock IO-Link master
Welcome to the future of industrial automation.
Modern industry is facing ever-increasing demands: it requires powerful, flexible and compatible solutions that can be seamlessly integrated at both the OT and IT levels. ifm’s new IO-Link master SolutionBlock fulfils these demands with innovative technology and a wide range of functions specially developed for the challenges of Industry 4.0.
Multi-protocol for PROFINET and EtherNet/IP
The integrated multi-protocol support significantly reduces the variety of articles for our customers. Thanks to its compatibility with PROFINET and EtherNet/IP, a single IO-Link master can be used in different networks, which reduces complexity and storage costs. This versatility makes it ideal for companies looking for flexible and scalable solutions.
Integrated OPC UA server
The built-in OPC UA server ensures smooth integration into existing IoT data structures. This open, manufacturer-independent communication platform enables standardised data exchange between different devices and systems. This increases the transparency of processes and creates the basis for predictive maintenance and data-based decisions.
IODD interpreter
The IODD interpreter enables the automatic evaluation and translation of sensor data. Process values such as temperature or flow rate are not output as raw data, but in comprehensible units such as °C or m³/h. This function saves time during integration and makes it easier to analyse the data.
Daisy chain functionality
The standardised M12 connection technology enables a simple daisy-chain connection for the power supply, fieldbus and IIoT communication. This means less cabling work, simpler integration and considerable cost savings. This function is a decisive advantage, particularly in extensive systems or in areas with limited space.
Security with OPC UA, MQTT(s) and HTTP(s)
Support for OPC UA, MQTT and a REST API in JSON format mean the IO-Link master offers flexible communication options for modern IIoT applications.
While OPC UA and MQTT are based on TCP/IP, the REST API enables data exchange via HTTP. JSON is a standardised data format for the structured transmission of information.
And the IO-Link master supports OPC UA, MQTTs and HTTPs, thus enabling secure data transmission. These protocols ensure that data is encrypted and protected against unauthorised access – a decisive advantage in an increasingly networked, security-conscious industrial environment. The IO-Link master thereby connects IT and OT worlds using the highest level of safety.
Data reduction through moneo
Many sensors provide large quantities of data that are not always required. moneo integration enables this data to be pre-processed and reduced. This minimises the load on networks and IT systems and ensures more efficient use of available resources.
Network Time Protocol (NTP)
By integrating the Network Time Protocol (NTP), the synchronisation of devices in the network is guaranteed to the millisecond. This is particularly crucial in time-critical applications in which the precise coordination of all system components is vital.

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AL13 | AL15 – SolutionBlock | AL14 | |||||
Daisy chain functionality For fieldbus |
Daisy chain functionality For the power supply, fieldbus and IIoT communication |
Daisy chain functionality For fieldbus and power supply |
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Power A-coded M12, 3.9A (US) |
Power L-coded M12, 16A (US), 16A (UA) |
Power L-coded M12, 16A (US), 16A (UA) |
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Fieldbus AL130x: PROFINET AL132x: EtherNet/IP AL133x: EtherCat AL134x: Modbus TCP AL135x: IIoT AL137x: POWERLINK |
Fieldbus AL159x: Multi-protocol for PROFINET and EtherNet/IP |
Fieldbus AL140x: PROFINET AL142x: EtherNet/IP AL143x: EtherCat |
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Output power 300mA |
Output power 4A |
Output power 2A |
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Input/output 16 configurable, 16 digital inputs, 8 digital outputs |
Input/output 16 configurable, 12 digital |
Input/output 16 configurable, 12 digital inputs/outputs |
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OPC UA server | OPC UA server Facilitates integration into IoT data structures |
OPC UA server | |||||
MQTT/JSON Additionally supports only HTTPs |
MQTT/JSON Also HTTPs/MQTTs for secure data transmission |
MQTT/JSON | |||||
TLS encryption | TLS encryption For secure, encrypted data transmission |
TLS encryption | |||||
IODD interpreter | IODD-Interpreter Processing of a variety of IODDs to convert sensor data into understandable information |
IODD interpreter | |||||
Data reduction through moneo | Data reduction through moneo Optimisation of data volume and network load |
Data reduction through moneo | |||||
NTP support | NTP support Millisecond-precise time synchronisation for time-critical applications |
NTP support | |||||
View AL13XX ➜ | View AL14XX ➜ |