IO-Link Basic Terminology

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.

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.

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

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.)

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.

The process data value status.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.