IO-Link sensor solutions for Industry 4.0

22nd April 2020

     

Font size: - +

IO-Link communication technology is increasingly being used in a growing number of applications and is also recognised as an enabler for innovative sensor solutions, supporting the global availability of data and information required by Industry 4.0, which is the trend towards automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies and processes.

SICK Automation, producers of sensors and sensor solutions for industrial applications, explains that IO-Link enables Industry 4.0 solutions to be expanded down to even the smallest inductive sensors, since devices can be integrated by means of existing cabling. Switching devices and simple sensors, in particular, can benefit from this fast and cost-effective method of connecting to the data world. IO-Link can also be used to establish a reliable communication channel and to allow IO-Link-enabled sensors to be integrated into an existing network.

Sensors with an IO-Link interface can supply an array of information, such as process data, parameter settings and detailed diagnostic data using the existing connection, in real time. They are also capable, for example, of receiving new parameter sets within seconds for flexible production right down to a batch size of 1. IO-Link offers continuous digital data transmission, rather than the traditional method of analogue value transmission. It also has advantages with regard to electromagnetic compatibility as it allows standard non-shielded cables to be used, potentially reducing cabling costs.

The different parameter settings can be visualised, tested, and, if necessary, optimised during integration and commissioning. Furthermore, it is possible to store different parameter sets in the automation system and upload them to the sensor during operation without a delay. This makes it possible to automatically and remotely configure sensors installed in locations that are difficult to access.

Machines and plants with frequent changeovers between product variants can particularly benefit from this functionality, which enables changeovers to be performed quickly and with a high level of process reliability. Replacing devices also becomes easier. If a sensor is defective, the most recently used parameter set can be automatically transmitted to the replacement sensor via IO-Link.

Comments

The functionality you are trying to access is only available to subscribers.

If you are already a subscriber, you can Login Here.

If you are not a subscriber, you can subscribe now, by selecting one of the below options.

For more information or assistance, please contact us at subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za.

Option 1 (equivalent of R125 a month):

Receive a weekly copy of Creamer Media's Engineering News & Mining Weekly magazine
(print copy for those in South Africa and e-magazine for those outside of South Africa)
Receive daily email newsletters
Access to full search results
Access archive of magazine back copies
Access to Projects in Progress
Access to ONE Research Report of your choice in PDF format

Option 2 (equivalent of R375 a month):

All benefits from Option 1
PLUS
Access to Creamer Media's Research Channel Africa for ALL Research Reports, in PDF format, on various industrial and mining sectors including Electricity; Water; Energy Transition; Hydrogen; Roads, Rail and Ports; Coal; Gold; Platinum; Battery Metals; etc.

Already a subscriber?

Forgotten your password?

MAGAZINE & ONLINE

SUBSCRIBE

RESEARCH CHANNEL AFRICA

SUBSCRIBE

CORPORATE PACKAGES

CLICK FOR A QUOTATION