IO-Link technology sensors for Industry 4.0

Collecting and managing the growing volume of data is integral in today’s age of Industry 4.0. Leveraging IO-Link communication standard provides a powerful infrastructure for collecting the data. IO-Link is a short distance, bi-directional, digital, point-topoint, wired (or wireless), industrial communications networking standard (IEC 61131-9) used for connecting digital sensors and actuators to either a type of industrial fieldbus or a type of industrial Ethernet. IO-Link is the ideal method to obtain status and diagnostic information from proximity sensors.

An IO-Link system consists of an IO-Link master and one or more IO-Link devices, i.e. Sensors or Actuators. The IO-Link master provides the interface to the higherlevel controller (PLC) and controls the communication with the connected IO-Link devices. Leelavati Automation, a provider of automation components, sensor technology, system integration, factory automation, industrial products like sensors, building management systems, etc., provides a complete range of Inductive sensors with IO Link and capacitive sensors with IO link.

Why IO-Link? Benefits

1. Communication directly to the field devices: Both cyclic and acyclic data exchange with the higher levels is possible.It also allows bidirectional communication.
2. Consistent communication between devices and controller: It enables continuous communication and monitoring of devices and enables access to all process data, diagnostic data and device information at any time.
3. Dynamic change of device parameters by the controller, master: It allows change while the device is running. The ability to change parameters or devices without disruptions reduces downtime.
4.  Simple and Standardized sensor wiring: Fast wiring and re-use of existing wiring is possible.
5.  Automatic parameter reassignment for device replacement: Device replacement by untrained personnel is possible without additional tools. Plug Play replacement of sensors with reduced downtime for machine changeover.
6.  Reduces variations and inventory: Flexibility to modify parameters (NO/NC NPN/PNP, time delay, frequency). It reduces inventory and thus reduces cost.

IO Link Functions

The SSC outputs can be set in 3 different modes

• Single Point Mode
• Two Point Mode
• Windows Mode

Logic Function Block

• AND,
• OR,
• XOR,
• Gated Set-reset function or
• Direct

Individually time delays can be added:

• On Delay
• Off Delay
• One-Shot
• Direct
• Timing can be set from 0 to 32’767 units in ”ms”, ”s” or ”min”

Output can be individually configured:

• Normally Open N.O.
• Normally Closed N.C.

The outputs can be configured as:

• NPN,
• PNP,
• Push-Pull