Did you know? Part 1: The IO-Link advantage

IO-Link is a digital communication protocol that enables the exchange of data between sensors, actuators and automation systems. It was developed under the direction of the IO-Link Consortium, and since 2009 has been standardised as IEC 61131-9. Today, IO-Link is supported by hundreds of device manufacturers and used in countless industrial applications worldwide.

Components of an IO-Link system

IO-Link is a standardised, bi-directional communication protocol supported on sensors or actuators. It is not another fieldbus, but instead was developed to be as simple and universal as possible.

An IO-Link system consists of the following components:

• IO-Link devices: Intelligent sensors and actuators that communicate via the IO-Link protocol, and can send and receive detailed information about their status, performance, and environment.
• IO-Link Master: The heart of an IO-Link system, it is a central device that acts as a gateway between the IO-Link devices and the upper-level control system – such as a PLC or DCS – and coordinates the communication and provides data integration with the main control system.
• Standardised cables: Standard, unshielded, 3-, 4- or 5-wire cables M12, M8 or M5 cables, making it easy to integrate into existing systems.
• Device description files: Each IO-Link device is provided with an IODD (I/O Device Description) file, which contains information about the device’s capabilities, parameters, and diagnostics. The IODD file allows the IO-Link Master to correctly identify and configure the device.
  Benefits of IO-Link

IO-Link offers numerous benefits for industrial automation, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and packaging, where real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and flexible communication are essential.

Device diagnostics and monitoring

IO-Link allows for detailed diagnostics at the sensor or actuator level. This means that in addition to basic process data, the device can also transmit health and status information, such as temperature, or operating hours. This real-time diagnostic data is invaluable for predictive maintenance and reducing downtime.

Remote configuration

One of most significant features of IO-Link is the ability to configure devices remotely. This capability is especially useful in environments where sensors and actuators are difficult to access, such as in hazardous locations or in systems with a large number of devices. Users can change device parameters without physical intervention, which reduces setup time and enhances system flexibility.

Standardisation

Since IO-Link is an open standard it is vendor independent. This means devices from different manufacturers can be integrated into the same system as long as they adhere to the IO-Link standard. This interoperability allows you to choose the best devices for your specific needs without worrying about compatibility issues.

Cost effectiveness

By using standard, unshielded cables for IO-Link communication, without individual wiring back to the PLC, you can save on wiring costs. Additionally, the enhanced diagnostics and remote configuration capabilities help reduce maintenance costs by minimising downtime and manual intervention.
In greenfield sites considering digitalisation, IO-Link provides high functionality, with a good price/performance ratio. For brownfield sites, IO-Link can be an effective way to add digitalisation to improve efficiency and lower maintenance costs: Total cost of ownership is improved with up to efficiency improvements and cost savings during the lifecycle of a project.

In Part 2: IO-Link’s only catch

Perhaps the greatest advantage of IO-Link is that you can mix and match sensors and actuators from any vendor to meet the needs of your process and your project budget, as long as they are IO-Link compatible. We at Bürkert stock a large range of valve actuators that support IO-link, compatible with IO-Link Masters from any manufacturer and their configuration tools.

But there’s a catch: software compatibility. To read more and make sure you don’t make a simple mistake when deciding on your IO-Link infrastructure, read Part 2.