Why IO-Link?

Sensor Data Processing
Field-level data digitization

Real-time Monitoring
Real-time diagnosis and
predictive maintenance

Bi-directional Communication
Bi-directional communication
between sensor level and control level

Increased Efficiency
Improve productivity and
quality extensive data


IO-Link is a key component in creating a smart factory environment. Smart factories require increased I/O devices and communication protocol to collect various data across all devices.
Device integration is easier through industrial networking at the control level, but has been more difficult at the field level due to lack of communication. IO-Link offers a solution to access and exchange various data from the field level with control level devices.
IO-Link communication allows collection of data at the sensor level with installed ON/OFF signals and connect the data to various devices in the factory. This allows real-time data monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and raising overall operation efficiency. This is why IO-Link has become an essential component in creating smart factories.

What is IO-Link?
IO-Link communication is an industrial communications networking standard (IEC 61131-9) for bi-directional exchange of information between IO-Link devices and IO-Link master. Information collected from IO-Link devices can be delivered to IO-Link master for increased operating efficiency.
IO-Link System Architecture

IO-Link System Components

IO-Link Master
IO-Link Master acts as a communication gateway between IO-Link devices at the field level and control devices. IO-Link Master can be used to exchange field-level device signals with industrial communication protocols.
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IO-Link Device
IO-Link device is a field level device that supports IO-Link communication. IO-Link devices can be used to exchange data with IO-Link master.
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Software
Comprehensive IO-Link management software allows users to easily set up, diagnose, and manage IO-Link devices and data.
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Advantages of IO-Link
Bi-directional Communication
IO-Link communication enables bi-directional communication between field level devices and control level devices.
Real-time monitoring of sensor level information offers easy operation, as well as managing predictive maintenance
and malfunction detection for efficient production system.
IO-Link System

Easier Installation and Wiring
Output signals from IO-Link devices can be standardized with an IO-Link Master without requiring specific controllers for each type of signal.
IO-Link communication uses the ON/OFF line and communication line in common, so that a dedicated communication cable or
a basic 3/4/5-wire non-shielding cable can be used for IO-Link communication.
Standard System
Separate controller required for different sensor signals


IO-Link System
Easier installation with standardized wiring

Malfunction Identification and Quick Recovery
There can be as many as thousands of sensors in a factory. With IO-Link communication, sensors can be monitored in real-time with
specific IDs applied through SCADA and other control software. Sensor malfunction can be found instantly and quick recovery is possible.

Easily check the errors
with the individual ID
of the sensor
※ Image example may differ from actual image
Predictive Maintenance with Real-time Monitoring
IO-Link communication sensors can be monitored not only the ON/OFF signals but also diagnostic data such as sensor usage time, disconnection,
and communication status. This allows predictive maintenance for sensor damage or detection error due to wear and vibration.


Information that can
be obtained through
IO-Link communication

Process Data
General information transmitted periodically between device and master

Service Data
Information of the device, including model number, serial number, error messages, and warnings.

Event Data
Information that can be entered into or read from the device for predictive maintenance, such as voltages, counting cycle, etc.
Easy Parameter Setting
IO-Link parameter values and settings can be easily changed with dedicated software.
The same parameter of the IO-Link Master can be used from data storage,
and the sensor can be replaced immediately without additional setting for simple and convenient operation.
Data Storage
Save parameter setting value of the sensor data
storage list to the Master storage space (port)
or download the list stored in the Master storage
space (port) into the sensor.

IO-Link Applications
Easy Maintenance

• As individual sensor ID can be checked collectively, it is possible to reduce manpower waste in checking sensor misconnection, disconnection, and installation errors.

• 
  1
  Sensor installation error occur in production line
• 
  2
  Easily check the errors with the individual ID of the sensor
• 
  3
  Quick replacement and normal operation

Predictive Maintenance

• Data can be transmitted before abnormal symptom appear to prevent malfunction due to wear or dust of mechanical parts in advance.

• 
  1
  A decrease in the amount of light received by the sensor in production line
• 
  2
  Find out the cause of the decrease in the amount of light received and repair
• 
  3
  Normal operation

Reduce Downtime

• Data of sensor malfunction and causes can be transmitted in real time, making it easy to check the location and cause of the sensor for reducing downtime.

• 
  1
  Malfunction occur in the field
• 
  2
  Identify the location and malfunction cause of the sensor
• 
  3
  Normal operation with maintenance work