Master modules for industrial digital communication

These include the X20DS438A with IP20 protection and the X67DS438A with IP67 protection for use outside the control cabinet.

The vision advanced by 'Industry 4.0' – of workpieces moving independently through the production process and controlling their own production – can only be achieved by expanding sensor technology to make more meaningful data available. Even relatively simple sensors are increasing in intelligence, while digital parameter sets continue to take the place of adjustable potentiometers.

B&R has long relied on the IO-Link communication standard to cover the final stretch from the I/O module to individual sensors and actuators. This bi-directional digital communication interface is used in the field to exchange parameter data and diagnostic information, thus making it possible to intelligently integrate sensors and switching devices into the control level.

This integration of end devices is greatly simplified by standardizing the communication technology used, just as managing parameters centrally makes it easier to exchange them. As such, IO-Link is an appropriate complement to the industrial real-time Ethernet protocol, Powerlink.