Discover the IO-Link advantage

IO-Link is a worldwide open standard protocol used for communication between devices in industrial settings. It facilitates bidirectional data exchange between a master device, actuators, and sensors.

IO-Link is the foundational technology of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This digital communication network provides raw sensor values for more accurate data from your machines. It also eliminates the need to scale analog signals. 

How does IO-Link unlock the potential of your machine? 

Reduce the total cost and time of a machine build:   Save time during commissioning:   Improve your end user experience:
  • One IO-Link sensor can potentially replace several devices by supplying multiple process values over a single wire.
  • The IO-Link communication modules are all field-ready and designed to reduce the cabinet requirements for the control panel.
  • IO-Link field-mount devices can be connected mechanically, versus a labor-intensive wiring harness.
 
  • With bidirectional digital communication, field modules and IO-link devices can be commissioned in seconds by simply uploading a configuration file.
  • Sensing and networking devices are verified and validated automatically during the commissioning step.
  • Get "point of issue" location-based diagnostics on your system.
 
  • Automatic device replacement and verification allow end users to maintain their machines by simply swapping parts.
  • Remote parameterization, such as recipe changes, offers real-time adaptability and minimal downtime. 

Traditional point-to-point wiring

IO-Link controls system

 

Traditional control cabinet size

  • Hundreds of terminal connections and wire routes are susceptible to error.
  • Typically, 25-30% extra space is built into the control cabinet for future expansion.
  • Future expansion requires extensive knowledge to leverage existing cable runs.
 

Smaller control cabinet using IO-Link

  • I/O is field-mounted, so cabinet size is reduced.
  • Estimated 35% reduction in controls cost.
  • Estimated 60% reduction in commissioning time.
 

Discrete and analog signals

  • ON/OFF and analog signals from devices are susceptible to noise interference.
  • Digital-to-analog conversions degrade signal and accuracy from collection to final processing.
 

100% digital communication

  • Ethernet communication between the IO-Link master and PLC provides a bidirectional digital data highway.
  • No EMC interference or signal loss even with long cable runs.
  • Pure digital communication reduces data transmission and conversion errors.
 

Traditional sensors

  • If a sensor has multiple values, such as flow and temperature, each value requires its own wire for that output.
  • Connection requires home run cables or direct connection, often with hundreds of wire terminations.
 

Unlock the power of IO-Link

  • Most new sensor technology already offers IO-Link communication without increasing the cost of the sensor.
  • An industry standard 3-wire cordset carries multiple process values, such as flow rate, temperature, history, and other diagnostics, over a single wire.
  • Automatic device replacement transfers configuration parameters from one sensor to another in seconds and minimizes downtime in the event of a sensor failure.

Why has this technology been accepted so quickly?

The IO-Link communications protocol has grown tenfold over the last decade from 5 million installed nodes to more than 50 million installed nodes for many reasons.

Reduced complexity

Scalable technology, from simple binary on/off devices up to smart IO-Link-enabled sensors, provides 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 analog 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 analog 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 analog 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 minimize 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.

How does IO-Link compare to other communication technologies?

IO-Link combines the best of all worlds with the functionality of analog signals and intelligence of Ethernet communication at the cost of binary ON/OFF points.

  Sensor communication
  Binary On/Off Analog IO-Link Ethernet based
Amount of data 1 bit 16 bits 32 bytes Many bytes
Sensor diagnostics    
Remote sensor parameter adjustment    
Automatic sensor parameter replacement    
Standard sensor cordsets  
Digital communication    
Complexity to integrate
Fieldbus independence    
Unshielded, 3-wire wiring      
No EMC interference    
Real-time diagnostics    
Cost 

How does IO-Link work?

IO-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. 

The primary IO-link tools are: 

  • An IO-Link master to establish connections between devices
  • Controllers, often a programmable logic controller (PLC) or human-machine interface (HMIs), for monitoring and human interaction with data or machines
  • Sensors and actuators that capture data from machines

How IO-Link devices work together in an ecosystem

IO-Link devices work together to capture and transmit data and parameters in an industrial setting. 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.

The IO-link communications protocol sends data using standardized M8 or M12* connectors. The controller or master can send information to the sensors and vice versa. 

ifm offers one of the largest, most comprehensive selections of sensors and other IO-Link-compatible devices. Our ecosystem allows you to create a comprehensive digital communication system on all your machines and processes. 

IO-Link communication: Key features

  • Point-to-point communication: Direct connection between a master (such as a PLC) and a device (such as a sensor) 
  • Digital communication: Process data, parameter settings, and diagnostic information are all sent digitally
  • Standardized interface: The standard 3-wire IO-link connection is easy to install and configure.
  • Open Standard: Over 500 manufacturers produce IO-Link-compatible products and platforms that integrate with products and solutions from other brands
  • Foundation for IIoT: IO-link transmission unlocks digital data from sensors that serve as the foundation for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities.

Vist the Technology page for more details on how IO-Link works.

* IO-Link devices from ifm only use M12 connectors.

What is the ifm IO-Link ecosystem?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial technology and automation, ifm is committed to innovation, efficiency, and conserving resources. We’re dedicated to universal protocols and advancing interconnection between ecosystems.

ifm is a founding member of the IO-Link consortium. This group works with industry leaders to further the technology and integration, upholds quality standards, holds workshops, and more. The consortium has more than 250 members and counting.

We offer one of the largest selections of sensors and other IO-Link-compatible devices. Our broad offering allows you to implement a comprehensive digital communication system on all your machines and processes.

IO-Link starter kits

Starter kits are an ideal choice for a fast proof-of-concept IO-Link project. Our kits include all products you need to begin your testing.