IO-Link: What advantages does this communication method offer for factory automation?
IO-Link is a globally standardised point-to-point connection for digital signal transmission. It enables intelligent, universal communication between sensors and control system. IO-Link thus satisfies the automation industry's desire to obtain additional measured values and diagnostic values through the already existing cable infrastructure. These data provide valuable information for long-term monitoring and process optimisation. This reduces costs, increases machine availability and makes processes more efficient. In other words: IO-Link simplifies automation.
How does IO-Link work?
IO-Link devices communicate with the IO-Link master over a distance of up to 20 metres through unshielded standard cables. These masters are the link between the sensor and the main controller and are installed either in the switching cabinet or directly in the field. A master often has several IO-Link ports, to each of which a device can be connected.
The IO-Link hub is also a comparatively inexpensive way to establish a connection between devices and master. Multiple standard sensors and actuators can be connected to a hub and, thanks to the IO-Link interface, easily connected to a master – on just one port.
Every IO-Link device provides a suitable electronic device description for parameterisation – the IO Device Description, or IODD for short. It is comparable to a printer driver, by means of which the PC can find and control a printer in the network. The IODD contains important information such as
- Communication properties
- Device data
- Device parameters with value ranges
- Process and diagnostic data
For the connection, a space-saving M12 connector is specified as the standard. This ensures simple and uniform wiring, which also enables quick device replacement.
The adjustment software supports setup and commissioning
The IO-Link system is configured in several steps. First, the IO-Link master is integrated into the automation system and configured. Then, the IO-Link devices are parameterised with the help of an IO-Link configuration tool that clearly depicts the whole system, from the controller down to the field level.
The IO-Link configuration tools from the master manufacturers are able to import IODDs.
The most important tasks of the IO-Link configuration tool, i.e. the operating software, include:
- assignment of devices to the ports of the IO-Link master
- address assignment (I/O addresses of the process data) of ports within the address range of the IO-Link master
- parameterisation of IO-Link devices
An additinal advantage is that the connected devices can be diagnosed with the configuration tool. IO-Link sensors can be parameterised directly from the control system during operation. This significantly reduces downtime, for example when changing products in a production line.
What else can IO-Link do?
The advantages of IO-Link at a glance
The handling of IO-Link is simple and intuitive. What is more, this communication method offers many advantages for factory automation, for example:
- The consistent use of standard connections, like M12, makes it manufacturer-independent.
- Additional measured values and simple diagnostics are possible and can be used for process optimisation or long-term monitoring.
- IO-Link sensors and actuators can be parameterised and configured directly on the device itself as well as from some distance away.
- Thanks to the Backup&Restore function on VEGA instruments, they can be easily exchanged. The parameters can also be saved in the port of the IO-Link master and transferred to the new IO-Link instrument.
All sensors and actuators equipped with IO-Link can be easily integrated into new as well as existing production systems thanks to the suitable connections and properties.
VEGA IO-Link portfolio
Level measurementcontinuous
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Pressure measurementProcess pressure or hydrostatic level measurement
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VEGABAR 28
Thread from ½", hygienic fittings
Hygienic, Ex, ship approval
360° status display
VEGABAR 29
Thread from ½", hygienic fittings
Hygienic, Ex, ship approval
360° status display
VEGABAR 39
Thread from ½", hygienic fittings
Hygienic, Ex, ship approval
360° status display
On-site display and 3-key operation
VEGABAR 39
Thread from ½", hygienic fittings
Hygienic, Ex, ship approval
360° status display
On-site display and 3-key operation
Point level detectionCapacitive level switch for liquids
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Point level detectionCapacitive level switch for light bulk solids
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Point level detectionVibration
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VEGAPOINT 21
Capacitive level switch
Water-based liquids from DK > 1.5
Transistor output, IO-Link,
wireless operation,
Ex and hygienic approvals
VEGAPOINT 23
Capacitive level switch
Water-based liquids from DK > 1.5
Transistor output, IO-Link,
wireless operation,
Ex and hygienic approvals
Tube version up to 1 m
VEGAPOINT 24
Capacitive level switch
Paste-like and adhesive media
Transistor output, IO-Link,
wireless operation,
Ex and hygienic approvals
VEGAPOINT 31
Capacitive level switch
for light bulk solids,
Transistor output, IO-Link,
wireless operation,
Ex and hygienic approvals
VEGASWING 53
Vibrating level switch
for liquids (density: > 0.5 ... 2.5 g/cm³),with tube extension
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