Unlocking added value.
Discovering flexibility. 
Enabling Industry 4.0.

Sensors and Systems with IO-Link

IO-Link: The Intelligent Communication Technology

The first internationally standardized IO technology, IO-Link enables consistent, bidirectional communication between the control system and the lowest sensor/actuator level via standard, unshielded three-core cable—for both intelligent IO-Link and standard sensors. With this future-proof interface, users can perform comprehensive diagnostics or configure IO-Link devices during operation. Pepperl+Fuchs offers you an end-to-end IO-Link system solution that includes a range of IO-Link sensors and infrastructure.

Get your plant ready for the future. Benefit from reduced operation costs and transparent data exchange down to the field level.

Did you know that ...

… communication via IO-Link is interference-free?
… communication via IO-Link is interference-free?
… IO-Link does not require shielded cables?
… IO-Link does not require shielded cables?
… IO-Link can transmit up to 32 bytes in one cycle?
… IO-Link can transmit up to 32 bytes in one cycle?
… IO-Link can be integrated into existing communication systems such as fieldbus and Ethernet-based systems?
… IO-Link can be integrated into existing communication systems such as fieldbus and Ethernet-based systems?
… IO-Link prevents incorrect device replacement due to exact identification within the IO-Link master?
… IO-Link prevents incorrect device replacement due to exact identification within the IO-Link master?

Benefits

Internationally Standardized Interface

An internationally standardized, cross-vendor open interface, IO-Link is an integral part of Pepperl+Fuchs’ Sensorik4.0® solutions. It is standardized according to IEC 61131-9 and is compatible with any fieldbus on the market. Standardized Smart Sensor Profiles simplify maintenance and commissioning—regardless of the manufacturer or sensing technology.

Increased Efficiency and Sustainable Cost Reduction

IO-Link boasts both easy operation and a reduced range of interfaces! A three-core unshielded cable enables an up to 20 meter connection between the IO-Link master and device. 

IO-Link Minimizes Downtime

IO-Link devices are easy to configure via control system, identify via localization function, and maintain as needed—this added value reduces downtime to a minimum. Due to the integrated data storage function, users benefit from increased plant availability because sensor replacement can be performed during operation.

Transparency Down to the Lowest Field Level

Transparency enables reliable sensor identification and access to all process data, diagnostic data, and device information down to the sensor/actuator level. This leads to reduced probability of failure while optimizing maintenance planning.

Features of IO-Link

Data Storage Function Simplifies Sensor Replacement During Operation
Since all Version 1.1 IO-Link devices feature a data storage function, sensor replacement is especially convenient. Process-specific device parameters are saved inside the device and IO-Link master, making it possible to replace sensors during operation with no new parameterization required.
Reliable Localization Function Simplifies Maintenance
In case a sensor needs maintenance or to be replaced, the integrated localization function can identify one sensor among many within the plant. With the help of a specific sensor parameter, the control system addresses the sensor that needs to be located, whereupon the sensor identifies itself by means of a flashing LED. Improved plant transparency even down to the sensor leads to increased process performance.
A Variety of Diagnostic Options Enable Efficient Maintenance
Temperature indicators and hour counters are some of the diagnostic functions that ensure both reliable condition monitoring and planned maintenance. Manufacturer-specific event codes are informative for product-specific diagnostics such as dirty lenses on photoelectric sensors.
Future-Proof Interface for Sensorik4.0® Applications
Comprehensive sensor data that delivers the necessary information for new applications is the foundation for every Industry 4.0 application. A cross-vendor communication technology, IO-Link has become standard in diverse applications in recent years. It is also seen as the foundation for the global availability of data and information that is necessary for Industry 4.0. With the help of IO-Link, even the simplest sensors and actuators can deliver process values, identification, and diagnostic data across the entire asset structure.

A Complete IO-Link Solution from a Single Source

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Parameterization, Commissioning, Maintenance—How Does This Actually Work?

IO-Link configuration and integration is easy with uniform device description files, standardized IO Device Descriptions (IODDs), and parameter-setting with the help of software tools. With new transparency down to the field level, users can perform both comprehensive parameter setting and use the device’s diagnostic capabilities—the foundation for predictive maintenance.

Pepperl+Fuchs Ethernet IO Modules

Offline Parameterization
Online Parameterization
PACTware

PACTware for Offline Parameterization of IO-Link Devices

With the help of the cross-vendor and cross-fieldbus operator software PACTware, IO-Link sensors are easy to configure and operate. In addition to the readily available IO Device Description, device-specific DTMs (device type manager) are available for IO-Link sensors. They enable convenient sensor operation through a graphic user interface.

Harmonized Systems for Maximum Flexibility

Simplified Device Replacement and Maintenance


Detecting which devices need maintenance can be difficult in applications with many similar sensors—like in conveyor systems. The localization function can be activated to find the sensor quickly and easily with the help of flashing LEDs. Once the device in need of maintenance is located, the integrated data storage function makes it possible to replace sensors during operation with no new parameterization required. This significantly reduces plant downtime.

Smart Sensor Profiles—The Next Step Towards Standardization

Even though there are a wide variety of IO-Link sensors currently available, like those offered by Pepperl+Fuchs, they share many functional similarities.
Smart Sensor Profiles unify common functions, settings, and their meanings in order for IO-Link sensors to be integrated faster and more flexibly than ever before.

Production in Batch Size 1—Parameterization During Operation

Recipe changes are often necessary when different products are made on a production line. With the simultaneous transfer of process and parameter data, IO-Link enables the reparameterization of sensors and actuators during operation—laying the groundwork for production in batch size 1. This reduces downtimes and resulting costs.

Find out More About IO-Link

ICE2 (EtherNet/IP) and ICE3 (PROFINET) IO-Link master series
  • Seamless Communication from Field to Cloud

The ICE2 (EtherNet/IP) and ICE3 (PROFINET) IO-Link master series with OPC UA interface enable a cross-vendor, platform-independent exchange of information in both cloud-based and hybrid systems.

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  • Reduction Factor 1 Sensors with IO-Link

Pepperl+Fuchs has extended its portfolio to include reduction factor 1 sensors with IO-Link, providing users with even more flexibility, additional features, and diagnostic options.

IO-Link Logo
  • Smart Sensor Profiles

Find out more about the Smart Sensor Profiles that unify common functions, settings, and their meanings, and how they simplify integration into the automation system. 





IO-Link technology
  • IO-Link—The Intelligent Communication Technology

Learn more about the internationally standardized, cross-vendor IO technology that enables bidirectional communication from the control system to the sensor/actuator level.

EC_EW_20181105_03_IO-Link_Community
  • IO-Link Community

The IO-Link Community provides you with comprehensive information on IO-Link, its benefits and technical details. Learn more about the basics of and different applications for the technology.

EC_EW_20181115_02_IODD-finder
  • IODDfinder Database for Description Files

The IO-Link community’s IODD finder provides you with a central cross-vendor database of all description files, the IODDs, and an overview of all IO-Link devices.

Contact Us

What advantages does IO-Link offer for my plant? How do I incorporate the technology into my existing communication system? We are happy to answer these and other questions. Just send us a message or arrange a personal consultation with one of our experts. 

Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.
1600 Enterprise Parkway
Twinsburg, OH 44087
United States of America
sales@us.pepperl-fuchs.com
phone +1 330 425-3555

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Pepperl+Fuchs is a leading developer and manufacturer of electronic sensors and components for the global automation market. Continuous innovation, enduring quality, and steady growth guarantees continued success, since more than 70 years. Pepperl+Fuchs employs 6,200 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in Germany, USA, Singapore, Hungary, Indonesia and Vietnam, most of them ISO 9001 certified.