IO-Link Master Controllers: Ten Advantages Explained

Advantages of IO-Link Master Controllers

1. IO-Link system : A communication standard for sensors and actuators connected via a master controller. The master controller sends device data to the controller (PLC, HMI, etc.) via an industrial Ethernet protocol (such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, CC-link-IE).

Benefits of IO-Link products:

• Data storage
• Remote parameterization
• Advanced Diagnostics
• Simplified wiring

  

2. Advantages of Heling IO-Link master controller : Heling's IO-Link master controller supports simultaneous IO-Link device communication with multiple industrial Ethernet protocols.

Use Cases:

• Provide data to PLC and HMI simultaneously, using different protocols
• Communicate to Ethernet/IP or Profinet controllers and UA clients respectively
• Reduce the amount of data a single controller pushes to other controllers

3. Process Data Storage : Allows IO-Link devices to automatically configure using previously stored values. Quickly and easily replace failed or damaged sensors/actuators, meaning less downtime and maintenance costs. To use this feature, IO-Link devices must be v1.0 or higher.

4. Online parameterization : Heling's IO-Link master controller supports remote communication from the control system to the IO-Link device for parameter changes. Depending on the protocol used, corresponding tools and files are provided.

User advantages:

• Perform common device setting changes in multiple ways without manual configuration
• Reconfigure IO-Link devices in inaccessible or hazardous areas

5. Data types: process data, service data, event data : IO-Link displays three types of data:

• Process data: Also known as cycle data. This is the information that the device is expected to provide or measure, such as temperature, distance, proximity, flow, etc.
• Service data: All data not related to process data, also known as non-cyclic data. This includes manufacturer name, device description, model, serial number, etc.
• Event data: Notifications or flags created when critical events occur. For example: misconnected sensor, communication error, open circuit, overload, dirty lens.

  

6.IODD: IO Device Description : Each IO-Link sensor/actuator has an IODD file containing device information and parameter values. These files can be loaded through the web interface of the Heling IO-Link master controller.

7. Reduce/Simplify Wiring : IO-Link provides solutions to reduce or simplify wiring in a number of ways:

• Standard M12 cables are used in almost all applications
• When using an M12 IP67 external main controller, reduce the wiring and space occupied in the cabinet
• Multiplexing digital and analog I/O via IO-Link hubs reduces wiring inside and outside the cabinet
• Reduced wiring for certain IO-Link devices such as motor starters and push buttons

8. Clone Configuration : With IO-Link devices, settings can be easily backed up and replaced/copied. IODD files, sensor data storage, and block configuration settings can be saved to a file on the user's computer and then loaded onto a new master controller, or quickly batch configure a group of master controllers with the same or similar settings.

9. Device Authentication : Allows the user to select whether a port on the Heling IO-Link master controller is associated with any sensor, a specific brand/type of sensor, or a sensor with a specific serial number.