Future is Now.

Data exchange from sensor to PLC and beyond—standardized and transparent.

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








IO-Link Overview

Pepperl+Fuchs offers a complete IO-Link system solution for your application. This enables consistent communication between IO-Link devices at the field level and higher-level systems at the management and control level. Not only are powerful field devices and software available, but also the corresponding infrastructure components.

IO-Link Infrastructure

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  • IO-Link Masters for Cloud-Based Applications (ICE 2/3)

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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  • IO-Link Masters for PLC-Based Applications (ICE11)

The new ICE11 IO-Link master for PLC-based applications is multiprotocol-capable and now supports not only PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and MODBUS TCP, but also EtherCAT and CC-Link IE Field Basic. It can be used worldwide in various application areas such as robotics, intralogistics, and motion control applications.

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  • I/O Hubs for Integrating Standard Sensors into the IO-Link Network

I/O hubs allow the simple connection of several standard sensors at once. Due to the integrated I/O-Link interface, they can be connected to the IO-Link master so that only a single port of the IO-Link master is occupied.

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  • IO-Link Analog Converters for Integrating Devices with Analog Interface to an IO-Link Master

With the new IO-Link analog converters, sensors and actuators with analog interfaces can now be quickly and easily connected to an IO-Link master. The devices of the ICA-AI-* and ICA-AO-* series provide detailed parameter, diagnostic, and identification data.

Latest IO-Link Products






IQT3* HF Read/Write Device

For users with a focus on implementing future-proof Industry 4.0 identification applications, the IQT3* HF read/write devices offer an ideal solution. These can be quickly and cost-effectively integrated into architectures such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and EtherCAT via the built-in IO-Link interface in conjunction with an IO-Link master … more

Push Button Box
Valve Connector
ICE11 IO-Link Master
Vibration Sensors
RFID Read/Write Device
Rotary Encoder
Reduction Factor 1 Sensors
The push button box can be connected easily and error-free to IO-Link networks via an M12 connector. No complex wiring is required. In addition to data storage during configuration, IO-Link enables the transmission of diagnostic data for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance … more

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

IO-Link Commissioning Within the Automation System

IO-Link Commissioning Within the Automation System

IO-Link system configuration consists of several steps. First, the IO-Link master is integrated into the automation system and configured. Second, the device parameters are set using an IO-Link configuration tool, which displays the entire system architecture from the control system down to the field level.

PACTware for Offline Parameterization of IO-Link Devices

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.

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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