Did you know? IO-Link and the role of the IO-Link Master
As mentioned in Part 1, the heart of an IO-Link system is the IO-Link Master, which is responsible for managing the communication between the IO-Link devices and the control system. The IO-Link Master consolidates data from multiple devices and transmits it to the control system for further processing. The IO-Link Master typically connects to the control system via a fieldbus protocol such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus TCP.
The software challenge
The fact that IO-Link hardware is standardised allows for flexibility in device selection, but many users do not know that the software environment surrounding IO-Link systems often requires careful planning.
While the hardware aspect of IO-Link is standardised – and users can mix and match sensors, actuators and masters from different vendors – there is one important thing to be aware of the software used to configure, manage, and diagnose IO-Link devices is dependent on the vendor of the IO-Link Master.
Each vendor typically provides its own configuration tools, integration methods, and device management software. This is applicable to both the IO-Link masters and the field devices. This creates a situation where the choice of the IO-Link Master dictates the software available to configure the devices in the field, and the data that is available to the controller. The inverse may also be true where the higher-level software in use at the control system dictates the types of IO-Link Master that can be used.
Oftentimes, users will purchase IO-Link Masters from a vendor offering the best price, which will work fine with the end devices, however they may run into difficulties configuring and commissioning end devices and the master itself.
Vendor-specific software tools
Different vendors of IO-Link Master hardware offer their own configuration tools that are used to set up and manage the IO-Link system. For example, companies like Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Balluff, and IFM provide specialised tools that are tailored for their IO-Link Masters. These tools enable users to import IODD files for the connected devices, configure parameters, and monitor device status, however the interfaces and functionality of these tools can vary significantly, and the tool from one IO-Link Master vendor will not be fully compatible with another.
The software used with the IO-Link Master must also integrate with the fieldbus or industrial Ethernet system used at the higher levels of the control system. For example, if the control network is communicating over EtherNet/IP, then the IO-Link Master must be able to handle communication with the control system via EtherNet/IP. This can be as a single protocol available on the master, or as part of a multiprotocol software suite.
In many cases, IO-Link Masters are integrated into vendor-specific platforms, providing a unified interface for configuring the entire automation system, including IO-Link devices. This further emphasises the need to align the choice of IO-Link Master with the software in use at the higher levels of the system.
Additionally, while IODD files for IO-Link devices are standardised and available for all compliant devices, the quality, interpretation and display of these files within the configuration software can also vary from vendor to vendor.
Bürkert: here to help
The most discussed benefit of IO-Link is that it is plug-and-play. And while this is true from a hardware perspective – with standardised interfaces, IO-Link Hubs, IO-Link Masters, cabling and connectors – it is not necessarily true from a software perspective. As a user it is important to be careful to select an IO-Link Master that is compatible with your software environment.
Bürkert Australia stocks a large range of valve actuators that support IO-Link and is ready to assist with IO-Link enquiries from the Sydney warehouse. Bürkert IO-Link control heads are compatible with IO-Link Masters from any manufacturer and their configuration tools. Bürkert is also able to provide function blocks and add-on instructions that make the integration of Burkert devices even more seamless, regardless of the vendor of the IO-Link Master and software.
So if you are planning on taking advantage of the many benefits of IO-Link, it pays to do your research before selecting your IO-Link Master device. If you need advice or support for integrating Bürkert actuators via IO-Link into your higher-level control system, we can offer a full suite of services to assist.