IO-Link is the modern, digital communication protocol for master/sensor and master/actuator connections in factory and process automation applications. This point-to-point protocol allows flexible and easy configuration of the sensors and actuators through the master device, as well as the exchange of the process data.
Architecture
Why is IO-Link protocol integration required for Industries?
Manufacturing, automotive, and food & beverage are some of the key industries that are reaping the benefits offered by IO-Link. Industries that experience longer downtimes or frequent changeovers can adapt IO-Link especially for the advantages it offers in reducing downtime and providing information about sensors or actuators. The main advantages offered to the manufacturing or production plants by the IO-Link protocol include:
Diagnostic Capability to view error codes through a web interface and troubleshoot without having to shut down the entire production line
Remote Accessibility that lets users connected to a master and/or a network to examine and make changes to sensor-level information from any location
Auto-Device Replacement facilitates seamless device replacement by allowing users to download an old sensor’s data into a new sensor. This way the settings of the old sensor can be quickly installed and the line can be up and running in no time
Other Benefits of IO-Link
Reduces maintenance and increased uptime
Brings intelligence down to the sensor level
Plug, play and walk away
Parameter settings can be downloaded from Microcontroller (no longer manual)
Easy parameterization without the downtime associated with machine changeover
Continuous diagnostics and monitoring
Improved data logging and error detection
Robust digital communication
Reduces costs by making installation easier through the use of a standard sensor connector that allows direct binary sensor upgrades
Utthunga’s IO-Link Protocol Master Stack
IO-Link Master Stack by Utthunga is a highly optimized stack, built-in C. Utthunga also provides a reference desktop-based configurator. The stack and the configurator can be quickly customized for any bespoke applications.
Features
The IO-Link Master stack conforms with the latest specifications
The stack supports 4 ports (no. of ports are limited only by hardware resources)
Auto baud rate detection: 4.8K, 38.4K, 230.4Kbps
Provides continuous diagnosis of the events generated at ports and devices
Backward compatibility with legacy devices (version 1.0)
Data repository/storage features enable rapid backup/restore of connected IO-Link device
Service calls from gateway applications are routed effectively by applications present within the stack to handle communication requests
Neatly layered architecture for easy porting and maintenance
Benefits
Accelerated time to market
Robust quality
Structured ANSI C Code – can be ported to other platforms easily and used with various development environments
Code design and documentation
Flexible licensing models
Sample demo application
Technical Specification
IO-Link Master Stack complies to latest IO-Link communication specification
Control and testing API documentation
Support for 4 ports (number of ports are based on hardware resources)
Footprint: Flash ~40kB Stack
System load maximum: 20MHz/Port (COM3-speed)
Transmission Rate
Cycle Time
230.4 kbits/s
0.4 ms
38.4 kbits/s
2.3 ms
4.8 kbits/s
18 ms
Supported platforms for development: Keil, IAR, GCC
Support for legacy devices
Support for batch read and batch write
Support for different microcontrollers and IO-Link PHYs requires only an exchange of drivers.
How can Utthunga help in IO-Link Firmware development and implementing the IO-Link Master?
Utthunga offers the following IO-Link embedded development services:
Implementing IO-Link Master in the devices
Implementing IO-Link Master Configurator with IODD interpretation capabilities
Porting of third party stacks into different platforms
Gateway for IO-Link network and cloud integration
IO-Link to OPC Gateway
Support for an end to end product development and validation
FAQs
1. Where is IO-Link used?
IO-Link
is primarily used for linking sensors and actuators used by industries in
automated production. The IO-Link master-slave system uses point-to-point
communication stack to connect the controller level (IO-Link master stack) with
the sensors and actuators (IO-Link slave stack).
2. How does the IO-Link function?
IO-Link
functions like the 3-conductor connection of a digital switching signal which
is issued as a serial telegram. This facilitates the exchange of additional
information as a serial protocol between the I/O level and field device.
3. Why is the IO-Link required?
IO-Link closes any gap in communication at the
lowest field level. This makes validation of equipment and machines at the
lowest sensor and actuator level possible, and minimizes existing interface
varieties.
4. What are the key benefits of IO-Link?
The key benefits of IO-Link protocol include
standardized wiring, simplified device replacement, remote configuration and
monitoring, advanced diagnostics and increased data availability.
A new genre of industrial data exchange between industrial machines and communication PCs is on the rise – the Open Platform Communications United Architecture (OPC UA). Interestingly, application manufacturers, system providers, programming languages, and operating systems have no bearing on this open interface standard. The most significant distinction between OPC UA and the previous versions […]
Industrial automation has greatly influenced digital transformation in the oil and gas industry. It includes numerous connected devices that make this industry highly dependent on hardware and software components. As per the World Economic Forum, the digital transformation business for the Oil and Gas Industry is estimated to be $1.6 trillion by 2025. One of […]
An Introduction to Industrial Connectivity Industrial connectivity has come a long way since the first time a PLC was controlled by a computer. Well! it was a ‘Hurrah’ moment for industries as it created a whole new horizon for innovative technologies. However, amid the gradual shift towards digitalization, the lack of efficient exchange of data […]
Inspired to build a simple version of data aggregation and visualization for systems and applications, we have developed a dashboard builder tool for one of our clients. A global leader in industrial automation products and services, the client provides solution-based software and technology-driven industrial engineering solution. While there are many such tools in the market, […]
We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Details are available in our privacy policy. Cookie SettingsAcceptReject
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.