IO-Link
What is IO-Link?
Communication standard for smart sensors and actuators
IO-Link brings transparency and intelligence right down to the sensor/actuator level. Field devices can be addressed specifically, provide diagnostic information, and can be parameterized from the control system—an important foundation for Industry 4.0 and predictive maintenance.
IO-Link is a globally standardized, manufacturer-independent communication standard (IEC 61131-9) for point-to-point connection between an IO-Link master and IO-Link devices, e.g.:
- Sensors
- Actuators
- Valve terminals
- IO-Link I/O modules
Unlike classic digital or analog interfaces, IO-Link not only transmits an on/off signal, but also:
- Process data (measured values, switching states)
- Diagnostic data (errors, contamination, overload, etc.)
- Service and parameterization data (device settings)
Communication takes place via a simple, three-pin standard cable. This transforms the previously “silent” sensor/actuator level into an active source of information for control and maintenance.
What are the advantages of IO-Link?
Transparency right down to the field
IO-Link extends existing fieldbus and Ethernet systems down to the lowest level, ensuring greater transparency, less effort, and significantly higher system availability.
There are many reasons to choose IO-Link
- Globally standardized communication standard (IEC 61131-9)
- Easy integration of devices from different manufacturers
- High level of investment and planning security
- Unshielded, commercially available standard cables (e.g., M12, M8, M5)
- Analog measured values are converted in the device and transmitted as digital process data
- Digital transmission is less susceptible to interference → no need for expensive and inflexible shielded special cables
- Remote parameterization of devices via the IO-Link master
- Devices with multiple measuring ranges/functions instead of many special types
- Fewer variants and lower storage costs
- Continuous process and diagnostic data from the sensor/actuator level
- Clear assignment of errors to devices and ports
- Basis for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance
- Faster commissioning thanks to centralized parameterization and device templates
- Easy device replacement thanks to automatic transfer of stored parameters
- Reduced downtime and lower total cost of ownership (TCO)
- Fewer device and cable variants
- Simplified commissioning
IO-Link simply makes machines more efficient, flexible, and economical—Murrelektronik ensures future-proof data transmission.
How does IO-Link work?
And what data is transferred?
IO-Link does not replace a fieldbus, but rather supplements it with an intelligent connection to the sensor/actuator level.
Typical structure:
Murrelektronik specializes in implementing installation concepts that are perfectly tailored to applications and pursues a holistic approach to automation. Specifically, this means that we work with you to analyze the structure of your systems and machines, paying particular attention to the number and location of the input and output points where sensors, actuators, and smart devices are integrated. We work with you to develop an installation concept that is perfectly tailored to your requirements from a wide range of different conceptual approaches.
We believe that automation technology will be completely control cabinet-free in the future, which is why we have always focused on decentralized automation. We have been a member of the IO-Link Consortium since 2008, making us forward thinkers and co-creators in the field of IO-Link. In other words, we are the experts when it comes to getting the most out of the IO-Link standard and translating it into the language of our customers.
IO-Link applications
IO-Link is established in many industries—anywhere where sensors and actuators control processes.
Increased productivity in automotive manufacturing through intelligent sensor technology, fast parameterization, and maximum process reliability.
Consistent transparency in conveyor and storage systems, enabling efficient control of goods flows.
Reliable monitoring and remote maintenance of wind, solar, and hydroelectric power plants, which improves availability in the long term.
IO-Link enables efficient monitoring and control of machine tools, reducing downtime and ensuring product quality.
Everything about our portfolio of products
Murrelektronik offers a wide range of products for electrical and electronic installations.
All of our products are designed to work well with each other and within your existing system. Our extensive product range allows you to build a system that meets your installation needs no matter whether you are talking about lowering installation and/or operating costs or simply putting together a more efficient machine.
We speak your language
Get in touch with us to take the next step towards future-proof production processes. By using IO-Link, we can speak a common language. Contact us now!
FAQ: Questions and answers about IO-Link
Short and clear explanation
An IO-Link master connects the fieldbus/Ethernet level with the IO-Link devices at the sensor/actuator level.
The IO-Link master:
- provides multiple ports for IO-Link devices or for standard I/Os,
- manages the communication and parameters of the connected devices,
- converts IO-Link protocol data into the respective fieldbus protocol and vice versa.
This makes the IO-Link master the central element for seamlessly integrating IO-Link into existing automation systems.
Almost any device can be made IO-Link-compatible – all it needs is an IO-Link interface. In addition to classic sensors, actuators, valve terminals, light barriers, and IO-Link I/O modules, lights, signal towers, pushbuttons, and power supplies are also increasingly being made IO-Link-compatible.
The advantage:
Even complex devices with many states, such as a signal tower with numerous LED discs in different colors and an additional buzzer, can be connected to an IO-Link master port via a single 3-wire standard cable and still be controlled with full functionality. This simplifies wiring and increases flexibility in the design of machine and system states.
Unshielded standard cables with M12, M8, or M5 connectors are used. Since IO-Link transmits digital data, the signals are robust against interference and do not require special shielded cables.
Consistent data availability from the sensor to the cloud enables smart production processes, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance. IO-Link thus creates the basis for higher plant availability, transparent processes, and flexible, networked production environments.