IO-Link is an industrial communications networking standard that allows for bi-directional exchange of data from IO-link compatible sensors and actuators to a field device. IO-Link is an increasingly used manufacturer-independent communication standard that provides more information, configurability and control.

The technology brings information from the sensor level to automation and Internet-enabled functionalities, allowing sensors and actuators to become active process participants in an end-to-end automation network.

From installation to operation and even maintenance of an automation system, integrated IO-Link technology promises a number of advantages over analogue solutions.

The FieldEcho from SICK automation is a software tool for IO-Link data accessibility and transparency that aims to ensure the availability of data required by Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things. It offers platform-independent access to all IO-Link devices in an automation system with a single software tool.

Using current sensor technology, a communication channel can be integrated into an existing network to supply a range of information in real time.

The software allows the user to parameterise, diagnose and monitor all the IO-Link devices that are integrated into a machine or plant, from an Internet browser. From commissioning and runtime, to device replacement and maintenance, all the IO-Link devices in a plant can be monitored throughout the plant’s life cycle.

The system is able to automatically find connected IO-Link devices, regardless of what programmable logic controller (PLC), fieldbus or IO-Link master is used. The remote access function allows for all relevant IO-Link device data to be accessed remotely and also allows for remote diagnosis, which could potentially minimise maintenance costs and reduce downtime. In addition, the manual download of the IO-Link device description, is not required, which may save time and increase efficiency.

The software promises unlimited, bi-directional communication access to the IO-Link device. Covering the globally recognised PLC standard, it allows data to be exchanged between all configured IO-Link masters and devices using a modern interface. The software tool can also be used in browsers or integrated in human-machine interfaces.

Process and service data is available in the operational management level and enterprise level for various cloud services and customer-specific applications. The data can be used for subsequent processing such as inventory, predictive maintenance or data analysis.

The software enables continuous digital data transmission, allows standard non-shielded cables to be used, is capable of quickly receiving new parameter sets and allows for plug-and-play functionality. In addition, different parameter settings can be visualised, tested, and optimised during integration and commissioning. It is also possible to store different parameter sets in the automation system and upload them to the sensor during operation and allows for the automatic and remote configuration of sensors installed in locations that are difficult to access.

The software’s representational state transfer application programming interface gives information technology access to IO-Link device data for applications like enterprise resource planning, manufacturing execution system or cloud-based services and helps to bridge the shop floor and Industry 4.0.

Only one line of PLC code is required to call up the generic function block delivered with the software, which exchanges data with the PLC via open platform communications unified architecture. The software does not require special hardware or a special protocol, making programming of the PLC unnecessary. A self-structuring FieldEcho dashboard is also available.

In line with Industry 4.0 standards, the software tool aims to ensure that all relevant plant information is globally available from any Internet browser,  regardless of the platform used.