FAQ on Network and Fieldbus Components

IO-Link (Input-Output-Link) is the first standardized IO technology for communication with sensors and actuators. The system uses a point-to-point connection between an IO-Link master and a sensor. Each port of the master is assigned a specific address.

Learn more about IO-Link

There are many advantages to IO-Link:

• Unique identification: Devices can be clearly and easily identified.

• Data storage: Settings and configurations are automatically saved and can be quickly restored when changing devices.

• Condition monitoring: Ongoing condition monitoring enables preventive maintenance and increases equipment uptime.

• Mixed environments and fieldbus independence: IO-Link works across manufacturers and is independent of specific fieldbuses.

• Digital data transmission: Reliable, loss-free transmission of data in digital form.

• Integration into automation: Seamless integration into existing automation environments.

The following data types can be transferred with IO-Link:

• Process data: measured values such as temperature, pressure and flow rates

• Service data: information on device status or diagnostics

• Parameter data: configuration data

• Event data: warnings and notifications about specific events or conditions, such as maintenance requirements or faults

No, IO-Link is based on a direct point-to-point connection.

An IO-Link system consists of three main components:

• IO-Link master: The IO-Link master establishes the connection between the IO-Link-capable devices (sensors and actuators) and the control system.

• Control system: The control system, for example a PLC or an IPC, processes the data transmitted from the IO-Link master and the connected devices.

• Sensors / actuators: Sensors measure physical variables such as temperature, pressure or position, while actuators perform actions such as switching or moving. They are connected to the control system via the IO-Link master.

IO-Link supports three standardized communication speeds: COM1, COM2 and COM3. The data rates are 4.8 kbps (COM1), 38.4 kbps (COM2) and 230.4 kbps (COM3), with COM3 offering the highest transfer speed.

IO-Link is a digital interface that transmits data in digital form. This ensures precise, loss-free and reliable communication.

Almost all wenglor sensors have an IO-Link interface and support the current version of the IO-Link 1.1 standard.

To the IO-Link sensor portfolio

The IODD is used by software tools as a device description and includes, among other things, the identification as well as the process and diagnostic data of an IO-Link sensor. The IODD is used to clearly describe the sensor and the respective software can convert the sensor signals into a readable form. This takes place in the background, for example, with the wTeach parameter programming software or in the web server of an IO-Link master.

IO-Link products can usually be identified by the corresponding marking in the technical data or product description. IO-Link products from wenglor are provided with an IO-Link logo or a note on compatibility. They also have standardized plug connectors and support specific IO-Link functions such as parameterization, condition monitoring or data storage. A look at the data sheet or the operating instructions also provides clear information on whether a product is IO-Link-capable.

IO-Link products from wenglor can be found via the website using the product search and specific filter options for IO-Link-capable products. The IO-Link compatibility is also specified on the product detail pages and in the data sheets. The products are also often marked with an IO-Link logo or corresponding information. 

Yes, an IO-Link sensor can be connected to a hub. In this case, however, the IO-Link functionality is not available and the sensor functions as a digital switching sensor.

A digital input or output can be connected to a port via pins 2 and 4. This allows each of the 8 ports to be used for two digital IOs.

A wenglor IO-Link hub can provide up to 16 digital inputs and outputs, as each port of the hub supports two digital IOs. As a hub can be connected to each master port, there are a total of 128 digital inputs and outputs per IO-Link master with 8 hubs and 16 digital IOs per hub.

There are several ways to parameterize wenglor IO-Link sensors:

• Directly on the sensor

• With the wTeach parameter programming software

• Via the integrated web server of the IO-Link master

• Via the program logic of the control system (PLC)

Yes, wenglor’s IO-Link masters offer the option of parameterizing each port individually. This allows you to define how each port is to be used, allowing for flexible adaptation to your specific requirements.

wenglor’s IO-Link converter converts analog signals into digital signals, which can then be processed via an IO-Link master port.

To the IO-Link converter

The interface protocol defines which parameters are variable and which values are possible for each wenglor IO-Link sensor. It also describes the structure of the transmitted data.

Various industrial Ethernet protocols are available for wenglor IO-Link masters to enable integration into different automation networks. Supported protocols include:

• PROFINET 

• Ethernet/IP 

• EtherCAT

wenglor’s IO-Link technology is not only suitable for new systems, but is also ideal for modernizing and maintaining existing systems. Even with a retrofit, you take advantage of benefits such as condition monitoring and easy initial startup.