Anyone looking at the headlines of IO-Link publications often comes across the term future — and not without reason. Networked production requires that all components and stations communicate with each other. It then becomes easy to implement seamless tracking and tracing or even situational control commands in the production process. Simple integration of different components is essential for Industry 4.0, and this is where IO-Link comes into play. With IO-Link, any sensors or actuators can be integrated into existing bus systems integrate.

In contrast to classic bus systems, IO-Link is star-shaped (point to point). Communication always takes place directly between master and device. IO-Link devices can receive commands, but also return process values. IO-Link can take over this valuable data, as it enables even the last meter of field device communication. Each IO-Link device has a file with parameter information about the controllable properties (IO-Link Device Description, IODD) and return values. The underlying idea is to integrate sensors and actuators into production processes with a uniform control unit. On the io-link.com website, the community lists far more than 100 engaged members.

The IODD Finder — a freely accessible database for parameter information for IO-Link devices — can be found as a link to Cyltronic products.

Easy technical implementation

The design for classic 24 volt signaling in accordance with IEC 61131-2 and a proven 3-wire connection make integration into existing systems easy. An IO-Link master forms the control unit, and the IO devices (IOD) convert its signals. An IO-Link master can have several ports and can use each port to control or read out a device. An IO-Link hub, on the other hand, receives the signals from a port and distributes them to several IO-Link devices.

The result? It is very easy to react to detected values in production. Does an upstream sensor report deviations from the target value? The actuator may react with an additional movement to sort out the workpiece. In addition to pure process values, IO-Link devices provide further information that makes commissioning, operation or maintenance easier.

Simple and open connectivity was the reason for the consistent design of Cyltronic actuators for this modern form of control. Cyltronic actuators have a unique identification, can accept specifications for acceleration, distance and force for a movement or return the realized values to production control — developers can save on the usual additional sensors. In addition, other values are available for continuous tracking & tracing.

Finally, controlling IO-Link sensors or actuators is also particularly easy: With a simple programming environment, all IO-Link devices can be addressed uniformly.

10 good reasons for IO-Link:

1. Reducing system complexity

2. Available for various field buses à Connectivity

3. Central control and data storage, machine transparency in ERP

4. Powerful point-to-point communication, only 1.4 ms cycle time

5. Simple, standardized control for all IO-Link components

6. Higher plant availability and reduced engineering costs thanks to centralized fault diagnosis and localization

7. Quick and easy set-up

8. Low wiring costs with unshielded cables

9. Digital communication down to the lowest field level

10. Device replacement in minutes through self-parameterization

IO-Link at Cyltronic

With Cyltronic IO-Link actuators, only three simple questions need to be answered: How far, how fast, how strong? That's when the device starts working. The control of IO-Link devices is standardized. This makes Cyltronic devices the simplest servo actuators on the market.

Position, speed, force and acceleration can be specified directly via IO-Link... and the actuators return the actual values in real time via IO-Link at any time.

More information about the available Cyltronic actuators and all required configuration and step data can be found at www.cyltronic.ch/products/.

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