IO-Link sensors
IO-Link sensors for system control.
IO-Link sensors for system control
IO-Link sensors enable bidirectional, digital communication between field devices and the control system. Unlike analogue 4–20 mA signals, IO-Link pressure sensors transmit not only the actual measured value but also diagnostic data, device parameters and status messages. This simplifies commissioning, enables predictive maintenance and reduces unplanned downtime. TRI-MATIC offers IO-Link-compatible pressure sensors, digital pressure switches, pneumatic valve terminals and flow meters that can be connected to any IO-Link master via standardised 3-wire cables. Communication is standardised in accordance with IEC 61131-9 and is manufacturer-independent.
IO-Link is a standardized point-to-point communication protocol according to IEC 61131-9 that enables bidirectional digital communication between sensors/actuators and the control level. It uses unshielded standard cables and allows the transmission of process data, diagnostic information, and parameters.
Modbus, on the other hand, is an older and widely used protocol based on a master-slave architecture that supports both serial RS-485 and Ethernet connections. It is known for its simplicity and broad acceptance but offers less flexibility than IO-Link when it comes to transmitting diagnostic data and parameter information.
Key Differences
- Topology: IO-Link uses a point-to-point connection, whereas Modbus operates on a bus topology.
- Data Transmission: IO-Link supports the transmission of process data, diagnostic data, and parameter data; Modbus primarily focuses on process data.
- Integration: IO-Link integrates seamlessly into existing automation systems and supports automatic device identification and parameterization.
IO-Link safety extends the standard protocol with safety functions in accordance with IEC 61139-2. It enables safe communication between the controller and field devices, which is particularly beneficial in safety-critical applications.
IO-Link wireless provides the ability to connect IO-Link devices wirelessly. This reduces cabling requirements and increases flexibility when installing sensors and actuators, especially in mobile or hard-to-reach areas.
Principle and technology
IO-Link sensors really come into their own in industrial pressure measurement: when a sensor is replaced, the IO-Link master automatically applies the stored parameter settings, meaning that no manual configuration of the device is required. At the same time, IO-Link pressure sensors continuously provide additional information such as temperature readings, operating hours or min/max data. This data is fed directly into higher-level systems and supports condition-based maintenance. Combined with TRI-MATIC’s pneumatic components and valves, this results in a fully digitalised system.
Practical advantages with standardised IO technology in the industry
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FAQ
An IO-Link sensor is an intelligent field device that communicates digitally with the controller via the standardised IO-Link protocol (IEC 61131-9). The sensor is connected to an IO-Link master via a standard unshielded 3-wire cable. This master forwards the data to the PLC or the higher-level network (e.g. Profinet, EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP). In addition to the actual measured value, an IO-Link sensor also transmits diagnostic information, device parameters and event messages.
IO-Link pressure sensors offer several advantages over traditional 4–20 mA sensors:
- Lossless data transmission – Digital signals are immune to electromagnetic interference and line resistance.
- Advanced diagnostics – Temperature, operating hours and min/max values can be retrieved at any time.
- Automatic parameterisation – When a device is replaced, the IO-Link master adopts the stored configuration.
- Cost-effective cabling – Standard unshielded industrial cables are sufficient, as the signal is digital.
TRI-MATIC offers IO-Link-compatible pressure sensors for measuring ranges up to 400 bar.
TRI-MATIC offers IO-Link-enabled devices for various industrial measurement tasks:
- Pressure measurement – IO-Link pressure sensors for monitoring and control in hydraulics, pneumatics and process engineering.
- Flow measurement – Digital flow meters with an IO-Link interface for cooling circuits and process media.
- Pneumatics – Valve terminals and pneumatic controllers with IO-Link connectivity for centralised parameterisation.
All devices can be integrated into existing automation architectures, regardless of the manufacturer.
IO-Link is a point-to-point communication protocol that was developed specifically for communication with sensors and actuators and offers simple integration and extended diagnostic functions. Modbus is an older, bus-based protocol that is mainly used for transmitting process data and offers less flexibility in terms of diagnostics and parameterisation.
Pressure measurement from TRI-MATIC
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