Discover the benefits of IO-Link enabled encoders

IO-Link is a worldwide open standard protocol that is used for communication between devices in industrial settings. It facilitates bidirectional data exchange between a master device, actuators, and sensors.

Some incremental and absolute encoders have integrated IO-Link communication.

Digital transmission of data

More information on the operation of your encoder provides insights for optimizing your machine, maitenance processes, etc. With IO-Link, the following data is available:

• Bearing operating time
• Device temperature
• Total operating time
• Shaft speed
• And more!

Reduce PLC processing load

Setpoints for speed, position, and counts are programmed and stored in the encoder. The encoder then internally monitors pulses and sends one simple command to the PLC indicating a setpoint has been reached. This intelligence at the encoder level frees up processing resources at the PLC.

Save time!

Traditional encoders have multiple wires to carry pulses to the PLC as the shaft spins. ifm's IO-Link encoders use only 4 wires with an industry standard M12 connector.

When multiple encoders are used for similar applications, parameters can be set and copied from one encoder to another using ifm's free configuration software.