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skid positioning in anautomotive conveyor line using IO-link technology
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Sensors and Systems with IO-Link

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

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.

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Did you know that ...

  • … communication via IO-Link is interference-free?

  • … IO-Link does not require shielded cables?

  • … 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 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

IO-Link data storage function

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.

IO-Link localization function

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.

IO-Link diagnostic function

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.

Sensorik4.0 key visual

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.

IO-Link Infrastructure

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.

ICE2 and ICE3 series IO-Link masters

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

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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ICE1 Series IO-Link master

IO-Link Masters for PLC-Based Applications (ICE1*)

The ICE1* series IO-Link masters enable the connection of up to eight IO-Link devices. They ensure consistent diagnostics and parameterization from the control level to the sensor level and significantly increase system availability.

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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 converter

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.

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Latest IO-Link Products

HF RFID 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 ...

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R200 sensor in a warehouse

The photoelectric distance sensor from the R200 series integrates powerful Pulse Ranging Technology in a compact standard housing—for precise measurement results at distances of up to 60 m. Because of the IO-Link interface, the sensor can be easily integrated into Industry 4.0 applications, for example in warehousing and material handling ...

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signal light with io-link

In all situations where conventional signal lights reach their limits, the new signal light boasts additional functions due to the integrated IO-Link interface V1.1 (COM3/Class A). For example, all of the nine signal light segments can be individually controlled and configured, allowing users to flexibly choose from different lighting modes and brightness levels ...

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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 …

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G20 Motor control module with IO-Link

The G20 motor control modules have the ability to control the start/stop functionality, the direction of rotation, the acceleration/deceleration, and the speed of the motorized rollers within the conveyor system. The G20 module with IO-Link makes most of its benefits at points with a high IO density, such as buffer zones, sorting points or intersections with elevators, where it ensures a reliable flow of goods. It collects up to eight digital signals and controls up to four motorized rollers simultaneously ...

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ICE11 IO-Link master in robotics

With its multiprotocol functionality, the ICE11 IO-Link master can be used globally for applications with common communication protocols. It supports for example PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, CC-Link IE Field Basic, and MODBUS TCP. Moreover, it is extremely powerful and, depending on the selected protocol, can be used for real-time applications with cycle times down to the microsecond range …

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VIM3 vibration sensor

From milling machines to pumps to wind turbines—when condition monitoring of machines and plants is necessary, vibration monitoring products by Pepperl+Fuchs help to prevent unplanned downtimes and to ensure personnel and plant protection …

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F191 RFID read/write head

The new F191 RFID read/write device combines the advantages of industrial UHF technology with a standardized interface for IO-Link communication—and is therefore a cost-effective enabler component for a wide range of standard applications …

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Parameterization, Commissioning, MaintenanceHow 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.

IO-Link Software Tools
PACTware software tool

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.

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.

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IO-Link Technology

Learn more about the intelligent communication technology.

IO-Link Portfolio

Get to know our comprehensive IO-Link portfolio.

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IO-Link Community

Get information on IO-Link, its benefits and technical details.

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IODDfinder Database for Description Files

Get access to a central crossvendor database of all description files, the IODDs, and an overview of all IO-Link devices.

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Finding a Common Denominator in IO-Link—Smart Sensor Profile Edition 2

Read how IO-Link sensors can be integrated faster and more flexibly than ever before.

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