IO-Link: The new standard at the fieldbus level
The IO-Link interface in our ultrasonic sensors gives you everything you need to implement continuous communication on all levels of the system architecture, right down to the sensor. In this way, both machinery and equipment can be run in a more productive manner. IO-Link can enormously simplify the startup and maintenance of either a machine or appliance.
Functional principle
Following every switch-on, the sensor is in the SIO mode (Standard-Input-Output-mode) and functions just like any normal ultrasonic proximity switch with Push-Pull output stage.
With the wake-up signal, an IO-Link enabled controller can transfer the ultrasonic sensor into the communication or IO-Link modes. The controller can now exchange both process and service data with the device.
An IO-Link master can have one or a number of inputs and outputs. Only one IO-Link device is attached at each input/output. A standard 3-wire cable joins up the sensors and actuators. This non-shielded line can be up to 20 metres in length. Mixed operation is possible thanks to complete compatibility to the SIO mode: at a master a number of sensors and actuators can be run in the IO-Link and others in the SIO mode.
