If you are thinking about using IO-link communication, but aren’t sure whether it’s the right decision, it’s important to think about all of the potential advantages of using it before deciding that you aren’t going to use it at all.
IO-Link is a standardized communication interface that uses two cables with 4 wires. One cable has a male connector, and it’s plugged into your machine’s IO (Input/Output) port. The other cable has a female connector and plugs into your device, such as an automation module. You can use IO-Link for remote data collection, fieldbus communications, intelligent process control systems and human machine interfaces (HMI).
Not only can IO-Link help save you money on your overall project, but in some cases, it can even save you time and energy!
Standardized And Reduced Wiring
The advantage of IO-Link communication is that it allows for easy integration and standardized communication between devices. If a device uses IO-link, then it will be able to communicate with other devices that are also using IO-link, but it will not work on devices which use different communication standards. This helps reduce wiring requirements because there’s no need to have different wires for every type of equipment or device on a single machine. For example, if you have a new drive in your machine which is controlled by an IO-link, you won’t need to add another wire just to connect with your older drive which works on another standard of communication.
Increased Data Availability
Over time, machines are becoming more and more connected to one another, even outside of their original functionality. With IO-Link communication you can use a single port to access multiple functions at once. For example, if a machine has an alarm system attached to it but is also used for storing raw data, using IO-Link can eliminate unnecessary ports that only serve secondary purposes. By placing all of your sensors and switches on one port through IO-Link you make sure that any information related to a specific object will be stored with that same object, giving you both flexibility and efficiency in your data collection process.
Remote Configuration and Monitoring
IO-Link has been around for a long time and is one of those communication protocols that never quite took off. Most people who have used it describe it as being incredibly reliable and secure, but also incredibly complicated to configure. The good news is that things are getting easier; there’s a new standard called IO-CCP that makes configuring devices with IO-Link easier and more secure than ever before. This post explains how you can use IO-CCP to configure your devices remotely without risking security breaches or unintended network issues.
Simple Device Replacement
This advantage is especially helpful for factory automation. IO-Link devices have unique IDs that allow you to simply remove an old device from a system and replace it with a new one. The new one automatically takes over all of its functions. It’s also possible to use IO-Link in conjunction with Ethernet/IP or other protocols, including industrial Ethernet protocols, CAN bus and Profibus PA. So you can seamlessly integrate your legacy equipment into a smart factory or cloud environment without having to replace devices or install additional cabling—saving time and money.
Extended Diagnostics
One of io-link’s biggest advantages is its ability to extract a full diagnostic snapshot from every single component on a machine, which can be sent back to repair shops for analysis. So, if a machine is having trouble, rather than needing to guess what might be wrong with it, those repairing it can just read through its diagnostic snapshot and find out exactly what went wrong. This saves time and money – both for manufacturers and consumers. It also means that users never have to worry about getting into trouble when their machines get damaged because they’ll always have access to all of their diagnostic information at any time in order to see how or why something went wrong.
FAQ About IO-link communication:
What is IO-link communication?
IO-link communication is a bi-directional communication protocol that was first introduced as the I/O technology that works with sensors. It is basically a point-to-point connector. One end of the connector connects the sensor or actuators with the Fieldbus connection and another end is connected with the remote station or master board that sends the signal to the controller like PLC.
What is the difference between a standard IO sensor and an IO-link communication sensor?
Generally, a standard IO sensor is quite the same functional as an IO-link sensor. But an IO-link sensor allows the user more control of the sensor than a general IO sensor. Also, there is another option available to save the setting or different parameters in the master block.
How many things are needed to make a complete IO-link system?
A complete IO-link system consists of sensor or actuators that connects with the standard master block through industrial ethernet protocol. A user can easily control the sensors remotely by an external web Interface like PLC and HMI.
Is there any option except PLC to use the IO link?
Yes, PLC is not the only option to control the sensor level data. It depends on the industry type where the IO-link communication is used. For instance, some systems in the mining industry use PC to control sensor-level data. It also allows them to control remotely.
What Kind of data you can exchange by using IO-link communication?
Basically, you can exchange three types of data.
- Process Data: This data represents the current state of the sensor. It completes a single communication cycle by 2 ms. Also, it is capable of carrying 1 bit to 32 bytes of information.
- Service Data: Basically, service data helps users to know the basic information about the device. Here basic information refers to the model no., version, etc. Except for the basic information, it is also capable of carrying detailed information like status & configurations.
- Events: This type of data needs rarely but without any delay. This data reported like an alarm or any informational message.
