IO-Link hubs
IO-Link masters provide solutions to acquire intelligent sensor data from IO-Link enabled sensors and actuators. However, machine control does not always require data acquisition and in many cases, simple digital and analog I/O are still required. A hybrid approach is often the best control solution.
The configurable IO-Link modules allow connection of conventional digital and analog sensor and digital actuators via IO-Link.
- Configure each port independently to meet your machine control needs cyclically or acyclically
- Supply power externally via L-coded cables (for high switching current) or standard A-coded cables, or supply power via an A-port on an IO-Link master
- Auto-detect if port is an input or an output based on PLC logic
Select products
ifm offers a complete portfolio of modules, or hubs, for digital inputs only, digital outputs only, and configurable analog / digital I/O. The hubs simplify wiring and engineering by collecting these standard signals from your machine using the available IO-Link bandwidth. The configurable hubs allow you to efficiently load a module by combining inputs and outputs.
The guide below helps you choose the correct hub for your application.
FAQs
Q. How do you change port modes?
A. Only IO-Link hubs with analog input option must be configured. Factory default for all hubs is digital mode where the port autodects input or output based on your PLC logic. To change the port configuration for analog inputs on the AL2605 and AL2205,
- use Process Data Outputs
- use acyclic messaging
- use LRDevice software
| Value | Configuration |
|---|---|
| 0 | pin 2 DI, pin4 DI |
| 1 | pin 2 DX, pin4 DX |
| 2 | pin 2 4...20 mA, pin4 DO |
| 4 | pin 2 0...10 V, pin4 DO |
Q. Where can I find EtherNet/IP AOI for these hubs?
A. We include an easy to use AOI in our startup package for I/O data and port configuration settings. The startup package is located in the Download tab at the datasheet for the IO-Link master.
Q. What is the difference between UAi and UA?
A. UAi = sensor input power; UA = aux output power
Q. What is the resolution of the analog signals?
A. 15 bit plus sign (+/-)
- 4...20 mA: 4000...20000 uA in 1 uA steps
- 0...10 V: 0...10000 mV in 1 mV steps
Q. Are there options for analog outputs?
A. No. We currently offer IO-Link to analog converters that plug into the IO-Link master.
Q. Are there options for RTD / thermocouple inputs?
A. No.
Q. What is the benefit of galvanic power separation?
A. When the ground of the auxilliary power and the IO-Link port are not separated, the IO-Link communication can become unstable when you have a high current draw. The galvanic separation protects the IO-Link communication.
Q. What signal filters are available for the input hubs?
A. Debounce, hold and invert filters are available and can be combined and applied to the input signal. The required minimum signal length is 1.5 msec. These filters are available for all input hubs except AL2400 and AL2401..
Q. What is debounce?
A. The input debounce filter suppresses noise that can be caused by many unavoidable sources. All signals shorter than the debounce time are ignored.
