Feature

Sensor with IO-Link – Five key advantages

IO-Link has received increasing attention of late, but there are many misconceptions about what it is and its impact on industrial applications. This article explains what IO-Link is (and is not) and the advantages it offers to a wide variety of applications.

07/10/2022 12:51:41

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What is IO-Link?
IO-Link (IEC61131-9) is an open-standard serial communication protocol that allows for the bi-directional exchange of data from sensors and devices that support it and are connected to a
master. The IO-Link master can transmit this data over various networks, fieldbuses or backplane buses, making the data accessible for immediate action or long-term analysis via an industrial information system (PLC,
HMI, etc.). Each IO-Link sensor has an IODD (I/O Device Description) file that describes the device and its IO-Link capabilities.

It should be noted that IO-Link is not another fieldbus – but
rather a point-to-point communication protocol between a compatible I/O system and a field device. Because IO-Link is an open standard, devices can be integrated into virtually any fieldbus or automation system.

Five advantages of IO-Link
There are many advantages of an IO-Link system, including standardised and reduced wiring, increased data availability, remote configuration and monitoring, simple device replacement, and advanced diagnostics.

Read the full article in DPA's October issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.