White Paper: The IO-Link
Published on : Monday 30-11--0001
Just like in sports, the last few feet are always the hardest, – a good reason to use IO-Link in the last few feet of the automation pyramid. Make the last few feet significantly easier with IOLink from Murrelektronik.
IO-link is not a field bus, but the evolutionary development of the existing, proven connection technology for sensors and actuators, i.e., IO-link devices.
Advantages for both the machine manufacturer and the operator are the main focus with IO-Link.
Machine Manufacturer
- Easy wiring even for complex of devices: 3-wire or 5-wire unshielded with standard cable
- Choose between binary signals or analog values, or both
- Data stored in the controls and in the master
- Change of parameters can also be done online
- Offline parameterisation
- Data can be copied
- Easy device exchange
- Increased interference resistance, and
- Loss-free analog data transmission.
Machine Operator
- Easy device exchange
- Simple diagnostics
- Easy data evaluation
- Parameters can be changed during operation, and
- Increased machine run-time.
Simple configuration with IODD on Board
With the IODD on Board feature, you go straight to your destination. It’s made to easily incorporate IO-Link devices in installation solutions. Some advantages: fast integration, short commissioning times and flexibility.
These are possible thanks to simple integration through IODD on Board, an innovative technology from Murrelektronik. The sensor and actuator parameters are saved to the IODD file (IO Device Description) and the GSDML-data is directly embedded on the Murrelektronik field bus modules MVK Metal and Impact67. When the devices, for example IO-Link sensors or IO-Link valve manifolds, are connected, they have immediately access to the saved data – no manual configuration or special tools required. Simply use the pre-existing controls software.
Until now, each individual new IO-Link device had to be integrated into the software of the IO-Link master. The new method with IODD on Board makes the process much simpler and clearly proves that the controls is the best place to save configuration data. Serial machine builders profit the most from this advantage: By using copy & paste, the existing configurations are duplicated on other systems and machine controls.
It is particularly interesting that the parameterisation of the devices can already be done in the office and no longer have to be performed at the start-up of the machine on the shop floor. The parameterisation data of the sensors and actuators is displayed in plain text (and not as HEX values) – this makes it easy to maintain an overview. It makes the validation of machines and systems much easier.
The freely-configurable modules also make it possible to save time in special machine engineering. The auto configuration mode makes a start-up possible within a short time because the configuration of the digital I/Os is no longer necessary and the channels will be set up exactly as predefined from the controls.
Murrelektronik is an internationally operating family-owned company in the automation technology industry with over 2,700 employees. The mission of Murrelektronik is to optimise machine and plant installations, increasing the competitive advantage of customers. Decentralisation is the core competence: Murrelektronik optimises the connection between the control cabinet level and the sensor-actuator level in machines and systems with proven concepts and new technologies. Working closely with customers is essential to develop individual solutions that deliver value in machine installations. Readily available products worldwide complete Murrelektronik’s service portfolio and the customer experience.