Overview of IO-Link

Io-link is the world's first standardized IO technology for communicating with sensors and actuators (IEC 61131-9)。Powerful point-to-point communication is based on the long-established 3-wire sensor and actuator connection, with no additional requirements for cable materials。Therefore, IO-Link is not a fieldbus, but a further development of the existing, time-tested connection technology for sensors and actuators。

The system architecture is as follows:

System architecture example

General-purpose -IO-Link always fits!

• IO-Link is fieldbus-independent and can be integrated into all fieldbus systems worldwide。
  

• IO-Link relies on standards such as M12, M8 connectors and three-wire cables。
  

• IO-Link is an international standard according to IEC 61131-9。
  

• IO-Link is universal...And always fit!

Ingenious -IO-Link simplifies your work!

• IO-Link is functional and, thanks to two-way communication, allows for extended diagnostics of sensors and actuators, or simple, fast parameter setting。
  

• IO-Link is fast, with three communication speeds of 4.8 kBaud, 38.4 kBaud and 230.4 kBaud。
  

• IO-Link is small and enables the miniaturization of "smart" sensors and actuators
  

• IO-Link is smart...And simplifies your work!

Effortless -IO-Link knows what's going on!

• IO-Link decreases;Two-way communication is possible with the simplest connection using an unshielded three-wire cable with extensive diagnostic and parameter setting capabilities。
  

• IO-Link is automated because the parameter data on the server enables the decentralized parameter setting of the device in the shortest possible time。
  

• IO-Link is helpful because it allows simple remote maintenance of the device through two-way communication。
  

• IO-Link is easy...而且...Know what's going on!

Note: Most of the above content is from the IO-Link Association website。