Automation Canada - Automation in 2021 - 30

- USB and IO-Link both provide bi-directional communication to and
from a connected device.
- USB and IO-Link devices are typically connected using quick
connectors.
- USB and IO-Link both require device driver files to be installed to
function.
- USB and IO-Link device parameters can be changed or updated
while the system is running.
The only technical differences between the two are the operating
voltage and the number of wires - USB operates at 5V using 4 wires (2
for power and 2 for separate transmit and receive). IO-Link operates at
24V using 3 wires (2 for power and 1 for combined transmit/receive).
Also note that although USB devices require a driver file to be
installed, they oſten get installed automatically by the Operating System
so you might not be prompted to install one. The driver file for IO-Link
devices is called an IODD (IO Device Description) file and you'll likely
need to install it yourself.
Besides the technical similarities to USB, IO-Link also eliminates
several different types of older PLC cards/modules you might still be
using in your control system. A single I/O module with IO-Link ports can
eliminate many of the traditional PLC cards like analog input or output
cards, thermocouple or RTD cards, RFID modules, and many other
types of dedicated connection at a fraction of the cost.
IO-Link devices can also save you a substantial amount of time setting
up the parameters on your I/O devices. You will no longer have to
navigate through a maze of parameters on those LED displays you find
on laser sensors or fiber-optic amplifiers to change a parameter. Just
connect your laptop to your I/O network and you can change all the
parameters on all your devices from the comfort of your desk.
IO-Link will also speed up your I/O system installations and eliminate
the time and money needed to run separate shielded cables to your
analog devices.
IO-Link (also known as IEC 61131-9) is the first globally recognized
standard for communication between industrial controllers and I/O
devices. Nearly every I/O device manufacturer is now making IO-Link
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versions of their devices and with the demand for IO-Link devices
continuing to soar, it won't be long until all those analog devices end up
like serial computer mice - obsolete and redundant.
The IO-Link revolution has started and it's definitely not a fad. IO-Link
can bring many benefits to your control system so if you want to stay
ahead of your competition and reduce your control system costs, it's a
good idea to get up to speed on IO-Link as fast as possible.
Next month, we will dig deeper into the technical side of IO-Link and
explain the difference between Class A and B connections amongst
other things. If you're interested in learning more about IO-Link don't
hesitate to get in touch with me or my Murrelektronik colleagues
around the world.
https://www.murr.ca/ca-en/
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