The new Balluff IO-Link expansion module (also known as IO-Link Master ) attaches directly to ae Profibus or Profinet network, either as a new node or by substituting it for an existing node. Then, using standard low cost 3-conductor M12 cordsets, up to four intelligent IO-Link sensors can be attached up to 20m away from the Balluff IO-Link expansion module.
Hardware includes network expansion modules, sensor hubs, standard M12 non-shielded 3-conductor cordsets, standard sensors, and intelligent IO-Link sensors. These sensors are available in a range of different sensing technologies, including distance feedback, RFID, pressure monitors, etc. This provides less expensive Profibus/Profinet solutions for automation customers to build and retrofit machines with an overall cost savings in components, cabling, installation and integration effort.
For example, one Balluff Profibus IO-Link expander and 4 discrete sensor hubs can replace 5 discrete Profibus modules, with 30-40% savings including; network components, network cabling, integration time, while providing 78 inputs. One expansion module and a combination of IO-Link sensors and/or sensor hubs can replace up to five nodes, reducing expensive network cabling and time consuming controller configuration without the need for node addresses or expensive Profibus chips or software.
The heart of the Balluff system is the sensor hubs which allow connection of 16 standard discrete sensors to the network per hub. Up to four hubs per expansion module can be put on each node, giving a grand total of 76 sensors per Profibus node.