IO-Link
This topic contains the following sections:
| Note
This help chapter applies only to IO-Link Masters from Phoenix Contact. IO-Link Masters from other vendors are supported by general GSDML mechanisms only. |
| Further Info
This help chapter and its subchapters do not explain in detail how the IO-Link technology works. For detailed information about IO-Link please visit www.io-link.com. |
Introduction to IO-Link
IO-Link is a serial point-to-point communication protocol for connecting sensors and actuators to an automation system. The architecture of an IO-Link system consists of the following basic components. They are connected by simple 3-wire, unshielded cables.
- A controller is used for monitoring the status of the inputs and for controlling the status of the outputs.
- The IO-Link master provides the interface for the higher-level controller, controls the communication with the connected IO-Link devices and stores parameter data and the IODD file (IO Device Description).An IO-Link master can have several IO-Link ports (channels) to which an IO-Link device can be connected (only one IO-Link device can be connected to each port). The IO-Link ports can be operated in the following operating modes:
- "IO-Link". In IO-Link mode, the port is used for IO-Link communication.
- "DI". In DI mode, the port operates like a digital input.
- "DO". In DO mode, the port operates like a digital output.
- "Deactivated". The IO-Link port is disabled.
- The IO-Link device is an intelligent sensor or actuator connected to the system such as I/Os, converters, safety relays, motor starters or device circuit breakers that performs the IO-Link communication with the IO-Link master. With regard to IO-Link, "intelligent" means that a device has identification data, e.g. a type designation, a serial number or parameter data. This data is readable over the IO-Link protocol. Additionally, the IO-Link device can supply detailed diagnostics data that can be used for preventive maintenance and servicing.Each IO-Link device has an IODD file (IO Device Description file). This file (XML file) includes a device description and parameter information on the IO-Link device, including manufacturer, order number, function, etc. which can be imported and be read out by PLCnext Engineer. Each device can be uniquely identified by its IODD file and the internal device ID. The structure of the IODD file is defined by the IO-Link specification IEC 61131-9 and is identical for all devices from all manufacturers.
Note
PLCnext Engineer only supports IO-Link devices that comply with version 1.1 of the IO-Link specification.
IO-Link system configuration
See the following topics for details on the configuration procedures:
Configuring the IO-Link System for Axioline