Baumer sensors offer the best and most reliable sensor functions. With the IO-Link technology, the functions integrated directly in the sensor can be easily parameterized. Sensors are immediately ready to use and optimally adjusted to the respective application. IO-Link also makes it possible to transmit a wide range of additional information directly from the sensor to the OT world or IT world, making for more effective systems - your gateway to the digital factory.
What is IO-Link?
A manufacturer-independent digital communication protocol/interface
IO-Link enables the bidirectional exchange of process data (measured values and status information), parameters for configuring the sensor, together with event and diagnostic data for feedback on faults or additional information
An IO-Link connection is always established between an IO-Link master and an IO-Link device (actuator & sensor)
Unshielded standard M8/12 cabling can still be used for IO-Link
The IO-Link master is the gateway for open connections to all fieldbuses and various IT protocols (IT/OT communication)
IO-Link is an open industry standard
IO-Link in practice
Advantages of IO-Link
Easy commissioning & fast sensor exchange
Diagnostic data for condition monitoring for optimized processes
Loss-free transmission of measured values thanks to digital communication
More sensor information for reliable control of systems & machines
Precise parameterization of sensor functions
Efficient engineering thanks to PC-based sensor tools
IO-Link function principle
An IO-Link connection consists of an IO-Link master and an IO-Link device.
The IO-Link master serves as a gateway and translates the IO-Link communication into all common Industrial Ethernet (OT) and corresponding IT protocols.
Cyclic IO-Link communication (process data) consists of measured values and status information for controlling and regulating the machine. Most of these are transferred to the PLC via the fieldbuses.
Acyclic communication consists of parameters for configuring the devices or information for diagnostics. These serve to optimize processes and communicate mainly with IT systems.
Cycle time
µs
Cyclic transmission of process data
Cable length
m
Between IO-Link master & device
More thanMembers in the IO-Link Community
More than
Mio
devices sold & in use in the field
Backward compatibility
As explained in the section What is IO-Link?, IO-Link masters can also read in and output switching signals. All IO-Link devices can also be used as switching devices by default. This ensures backwards compatibility at all times.
All IO-Link devices can also be used as switching devices in SIO mode (standard input/output) by default. This means it can be connected to conventional I/O systems.
All IO-Link masters can, by default, also be used as inputs and outputs for switching signals (SIO mode). This makes it possible to operate conventional devices without an IO-Link interface on an IO-Link master.
IO-Link dual channel
The term "IO-Link dual channel" was coined by Baumer and refers to sensors that have additional switching or analog outputs alongside the IO-Link communication. Thanks to IO-Link dual channel, it is possible to operate very fast processes or existing analog interfaces and at the same time enjoy the benefits of IO-Link technology (e.g. parameterization, condition monitoring, etc.).
The IO-Link Community brings together more than 400 members worldwide. These members define the IO-Link standard and are continuously refining it. The latest standards include IO-Link Wireless and IO-Link Safety. Baumer is an active member not only of the Community, but also of the Steering Committee.
The logo on the left is used on all IO-Link devices so users can identify them with ease.
In addition, the IO-Link Community operates the IODD finder. The IODD (Input Output Device Description) is a file for describing IO-Link devices. PC-based tools, such as the Baumer Sensor Suite, can use this file to interpret and display IO-Link data independent of the manufacturer. This helps users to quickly understand IO-Link devices and set them up easily.
