Although IO-Link is becoming increasingly popular, there are still many misconceptions about what it is and how it affects industrial applications. In this article, we explain what IO-Link is and the benefits it offers, and introduce sensors with IO-Link for temperature, pressure and conductivity.
IO-Link is an international standard for digital communication (IEC 61131-9) between control devices, sensors (automation system) and actuators. The IO-Link interface allows the elimination of multiple signal wires and greatly simplifies the process of fault diagnosis. It was developed in response to the demand for devices that can be easily mounted outside the control cabinet.
IO-Link protocol is mainly used to communicate with 3 wire sensors. IO-Link and the data transmitted with it like error messages are often used for preventive maintenance and servicing.
The basic io link system consists elements:
IO-Link Master - a communication gateway between a set of control IO-Link Devices
IO-Link Device - actuators and sensors that are connected directly to the IO-Link Master
unshielded cable, 3- or 5-wire for connection of actuators, control devices and sensors (up to 20 meters max.)
software for configuration and parameterization of the IO-Link system
IO-Link is a simple communication protocol that is mainly used to communicate with 3-wire sensors and actuators. An actuator, such as an actuator or sensor, is connected to the IO-Link master. The IO-Link master can then communicate via a fieldbus connection with higher-level controllers such as PLCs.
IO-Link combines communication from the control level down to the lowest level of industrial automation - sensors and actuators in a fieldbus network.
Each actuator is connected to a separate port. As such, IO-Link is a point-to-point communication rather than a field network. Each IO Link port can serve a different purpose including signaling that it is not in use, that it is in input or output mode, and IO-Link communication.
Process data and value status from the IO-Link device are transmitted cyclically that is, at regular, defined intervals (so-called cyclic transmission). Device data, such as diagnostics or service data, are transmitted acyclically only when they are needed (so-called acyclic transmission).
IO-Link and Ethernet are not the same thing, however, the information from an IO-Link device is transmitted via an industrial Ethernet protocol, most commonly EtherNet/IP, PROFINET/IO or Modbus TCP
Communication process with IO-Link - IO Master exchanges data with devices via master network
IO Link has many advantages. To name a few of the most important ones:
Optimization of the production process through communication down to the lowest field level - maximizing efficiency in the automation network
Reduced assembly and commissioning time
Increased plant efficiency through maximum transparency down to the sensor level
Reduction of maintenance and service costs while increasing plant availability
High degree of process reliability due to long service life and high accuracy
Flexible application due to compact design and a variety of process connections
Long plant downtimes are a thing of the past. JUMO's temperature, pressure and conductivity sensors with IO-Link, with their integrated diagnostic function, help to better plan for sensor availability or replacement. In addition, the technology avoids time-consuming parameterization when replacing sensors, as the necessary data is downloaded from the host system.
Io link sensor give the plant operator access to the lowest level of automation. As a result, sensor information retrieval, parameterization and diagnosis - and therefore the ideal assessment of the plant's condition - are extremely simple.
We offer intelligent sensors with interface for measuring pressure JUMO dTRANS p35 and temperature:
IO-Link in our sensors supports bidirectional communication and is used to exchange process data, parameters, diagnostic information and status messages. Two green LEDs light up permanently as soon as voltage is applied to the device. When an IO-Link connection is established, the LEDs flash. The switching behavior and switching thresholds of the switching outputs (max. 2 units; p or n switching) can be individually configured - along with many other parameters. Any IO-Link master can be used for configuration.
These io link devices are ideal for use in machine and plant construction and connections to automation systems.
process automation
machines for the food and beverage industry
general mechanical and instrument engineering
IO-Link
point-to-point connection of multiple manufacturers
open standard with maximum transparency to field level (IEC 61131-9)
inexpensive, prefabricated connection cable (no wiring errors)
simple and uniform wiring and commissioning thanks to a standardized interface
an element of Industry 4.0: ubiquitous communication from control to sensors
retrieval of process data and diagnostic information
dynamic parameter changes
greater safety when changing sensors
possibility of automatic parameterization
possibility to detect replacement with sensors of the same type but with different properties
optimization of the production process through communication to the lowest field level
reduction of installation and commissioning time
reduction of maintenance and service costs while increasing plant availability, because itprovides detailed diagnostic information that can be used for preventive maintenance and servicing
JUMO digiLine is a bus-compatible connection system for digital sensors in liquid analysis. The digiLine family includes:
JUMO is currently one of the few manufacturers worldwide that can provide a variant of transmitters for inductive and conductivity sensors with an IO-Link interface.
Conductivity transmitters with IO-Link interface JUMO digiLine
With the cable transmitter with IO-Link (also available with analog output), you can easily digitize your RTD temperature probes in the cable. With M12 connections on both sides, the JUMO dTRANS T09 is uncomplicated and economical to install. The vibration- and shock-resistant transmitter in a stainless steel housing is suitable for PT100 or Pt1000 with a four-wire connection.
