To implement the communication, a system installation has the following main components:
One IO-Link master
One or several IO-Link devices, such as sensors (e.g. RFID systems), actuators or combinations of these
A standard 3-wire sensor/actuator cable
Example of a configuration with the system components
Compatibility of IO-Link
IO-Link ensures compatibility between IO-Link-capable modules and standard modules as follows:
IO-Link sensors can be operated both on IO-Link modules (masters) and standard input modules.
IO-Link sensors/actuators as well as today's standard sensors/actuators can be used on IO-Link masters.
If conventional components are used in the IO-Link system, then of course only the standard functions are available at this point.
Analog signals
Another advantage of IO-Link technology is that analog signals are already digitized in the IO-Link sensor itself and are digitally transmitted via IO-Link communication. As the result, faults are prevented and there is no extra cost for cable shielding.
Enhanced through IO-Link input modules
IO-Link compatibility also permits connection of standard sensors/actuators, i.e. conventional sensors/actuators can also be connected to IO-Link. This is particularly effective with the IO-Link input modules, which allow several sensors to be connected at one time via a cable to the controller.
Overload relays
A starter combination, for example, consists of one or more SIRIUS 3RT contactors and one 3RB24 electronic overload relay plus its 3RB29 current measuring module.
3RB24 overload relays with IO-Link are basically designed to provide current-dependent protection for loads against inadmissibly high temperature rises due to overload, phase asymmetry or phase failure.
Direct-on-line starters can, therefore, as shown in the image, be connected to the control system via IO-Link without much wiring. Remote control of connected contactors, current value transmission and immediate remote fault diagnosis are just some examples of the large number of functions that can be implemented with this device.
It is also possible to directly address a drive on-site via IO?Link using the optional hand-held device.
Connection of an IO?Link-capable overload relay to a SIMATIC S7?1200 controller
Load Feeders and Motor Starters
Through IO-Link it is possible to control not only sensors but also actuators in the form of load feeders and motor starters.
Possibilities for connecting load feeders and motor starters to IO-Link or in the conventional way
Monitoring relays
By using monitoring relays with IO-Link it is now possible to send data that has already been recorded and evaluated in the devices directly to the controller. This avoids the use of duplicated sensors.
Possibilities of interfacing conventional 3UG46 monitoring relays (in comparison with 3UG48)
Possibilities of interfacing 3UG48 monitoring relays for IO-Link
Wireless communication
Using an upstream IWLAN client module, such as SCALANCE W722?1 RJ45, allows IO-Link to be be integrated into the PROFINET world via a distributed I/O. Possible uses include acting as an alternative to fault-prone tow chain or collector wire technology.
The individual diagnostics options offered by the various IO-Link devices provide greater transparency for the production process. Just like the parameter data for a device, these diagnostics data can be evaluated remotely using the possibilities offered by SIMATIC. This supports remote maintenance down to the lowest level in the field.
Wireless communication between Industrial Ethernet and IO-Link components
IO-Link components
IO?Link master
Masters
SM 1278 4xIO?Link for S7?1200
IO?Link master for SIMATIC S7?1200
SM 1278 4xIO?Link master signal modules
IO-Link master modules for ET 200SP
CM IO?Link communication module
IO?Link master module for ET 200pro
4 IO?LINK HF electronic module
IO?Link master module for ET 200eco PN
IO?Link master 4 IO?L + 8DI + 4DO 24 V DC/1.3 A
IO Link master 4 IO?L
IO?Link master module for ET 200AL
CM IO?Link communication module
see "Master"
IO?Link devices
Detection with IO-Link
IO?Link K20 module, 8 inputs
IO-Link input modules
K20 input module
4 inputs, M12 connections
8 inputs, standard M8 connections
see "Input modules"
Switching with IO-Link
SIRIUS 3RA2711 function modules for IO-Link
Contactors and contactor assemblies
SIRIUS 3RT20 contactors, 3-pole up to 250 kW
SIRIUS 3RA23 reversing contactor assemblies, up to 55 kW
SIRIUS 3RA24 contactor assemblies for wye-delta starting, up to 90 kW
See "Industrial controls" > "Switching Devices" > "Contactors and Contactor Assemblies" > "Power Contactors for Switching Motors"
SIRIUS 3RA27 function module
for direct-on-line, reversing, and star-delta (wye-delta) starters with IO-Link interfacing
See "Industrial Controls" > "Switching Devices” > “Accessories and Spare Parts” > “for SIRIUS 3RT2 Contactors and SIRIUS 3RH2 Contactor Relays” > “Modules for Contactor Control"
SIRIUS 3RA64 direct-on-line starter
Motor starters for operation in the control cabinet
SIRIUS 3RA64, 3RA65 compact starters for IO-Link
3RA64 direct-on-line starters
3RA65 reversing starters
Infeed system for 3RA6
Accessories
See "Industrial Controls" > "Load Feeders and Motor Starters > “For Use in the Control Cabinet"
Contactors with IO-Link
SIRIUS 3RB24 overload relays
Overload relay
SIRIUS 3RB24 solid-state overload relays for IO-Link
Evaluation module
Current measuring modules from 0.3 to 630 A
Controlling direct-on-line, reversing and star-delta starters via IO-Link in conjunction with contactors
Full motor protection
Diagnostics and current value transmission via IO-Link
See Industrial Controls > "Protective Devices" > "Overload relays"
Monitoring with IO-Link
SIRIUS 3RR24 monitoring relays
SIRIUS 3RR24 monitoring relays for mounting onto 3RT2 contactors for IO-Link
Monitoring of current, phase failure, open circuit and phase sequence
Designed for mounting on 3RT2 contactors
Terminal supports for stand-alone installation
See "Industrial Controls" > "Monitoring and Control Devices" > "Relays"
SIRIUS 3UG48 monitoring relays
SIRIUS 3UG48 monitoring relays for stand-alone installation for IO-Link
Monitoring the supply system, voltage, current, cos ?, residual current or speed depending on device design
On / tripping delay time can be adjusted
See "Industrial Controls" > "Monitoring and Control Devices" > "Relays"
SIRIUS 3RS14 temperature monitoring relay
SIRIUS 3RS14, 3RS15 temperature monitoring relays for IO-Link
Temperature monitoring with connected sensors
Two limit values, can be adjusted separately
See "Industrial Controls" > "Monitoring and Control Devices" > "Relays"
Actuators and indicators with IO?Link
SIRIUS ACT ID key-operated switch 3SU1
SIRIUS ACT ID key-operated switch 3SU1 for IO?Link
Access and selection system for four authorization levels
Authentication of user groups and persons
Five ID codes with different coding
Option of individual coding via IO?Link
For installation in enclosures or fastening on front plate
Electronic module for ID key-operated switches must be ordered separately.
See "Industrial Controls" > "Commanding and Signaling Devices" > SIRIUS ACT "Pushbuttons and Indicator Lights"
SIRIUS ACT 3SU1 electronic module
SIRIUS ACT 3SU1 electronic modules for IO-Link
Eight digital inputs and outputs possible
DI and DQ freely selectable (programmable)
Input and output functions parameterizable
Connection system (push-in)
For installation in enclosure or fastening on front plate
See "SIRIUS ACT pushbuttons and indicator lights" > "Modules for Actuators and Indicators" > "Electronic module for IO-Link"
The IODDfinder is a service provided by the IO-Link community. It is a central cross-vendor database for descriptive files (IODDs). In addition, the platform provides an overview of all IO?Link devices.
This library provides function blocks and user-defined data types (UDTs) for all IO?Link devices from the Siemens portfolio. These blocks and UDTs standardize and simplify communication with IO?Link devices.
