Basic Terms You Should Know

Glossary

IO-Link Device

Expansion devices such as sensors or actuators that can perform IO-Link communication with the IO-Link Master.
There are PLC unit type and remote network type that can be installed near sensors and actuators.

IO-Link Master

Refers to a terminal unit that receives signals from an IO-Link device.
There are PLC unit type and remote network type that can be installed near sensors and actuators.

IODD File

An IODD (IO Device Description) file contains information on device descriptions and parameter such as vendor name, model number, and functions of the IO-Link device.
IODDs are created by vendors that provide IO-Link devices, and many of them are available free of charge on their websites. IO-Link devices can be setup by reading IODD files from the IO-Link Master.

IO-Link Mode

This mode is for bidirectional digital communication of IO-Link data.
In IO-Link mode, process data and other data are communicated.

SIO Mode (Standard IO)

Conventional I/O (NPN, PNP) mode.
Used when connecting to devices that do not support IO-Link. (This is a unidirectional digital I/O signal.)

Process Data

Transmits data frames cyclically.
Size of the process data is determined by the device, with 0 to 32 bytes available.
Ex.) Distance data for displacement sensor, temperature data for thermometers, flow data for flow sensor, etc.

Status

The process data value status.

Device Data

This information includes parameters, identification data (model, serial number, etc.), and diagnostics. These information can be communicated acyclic by request of the IO-Link Master.
Device data can be written to and read from the device.

Event

If an error such as a short circuit, overheating, or contamination occurs or is predicted to occur in an IO-Link device, the master can be notified without interfering with process data transmission. (Event details vary depending on the IO-Link device)
As for wire break between the IO-Link Master and the device, it can be detected if there is no response from the device after a retry from the master.

IO-Link Connection Range

Cable length between IO-Link Master and IO-Link device is Maximum 20 m.

IO-Link Physical Port

M5, M8, and M12 circular connectors, clamp type, terminal block type, etc. are available.

Engineering Tool

Tool produced by various PLC manufacturers for PLC configuration.
Can be used for setting up IO-Link Master and device connected to PLC.
*Some items cannot be set.

A Standard 3 to 5-Wire Unshielded Cable

The type of cable to be connected to the IO-Link sensor.

Port Class A (Type A)

In general, it is compatible with 3-wire cable.
The function of pins 2 and 5 is not defined for this type.

Port Class B (Type B)

In general, it is compatible with 5-wire cable.
Capable of connecting to high-capacity devices, this type has pins 2 and 5, which are primarily assigned to supply voltages.