IO-Link capabilities align with the need for smart, connected devices and systems

Ed Polzin is product manager, controls, at Bosch Rexroth.

 

 

 

Ed Polzin, product manager, controls, Bosch Rexroth: IO-Link devices provide real-time diagnostic information, allowing for quick identification and resolution of issues. IO-Link devices can provide detailed diagnostic information, such as device status, temperature and operating conditions, allowing for more streamlined system troubleshooting, diagnosis and issue resolution. With the detailed diagnostic information provided by IO-Link devices, predictive maintenance can also be implemented, reducing downtime and increasing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

 

 

Ed Polzin, product manager, controls, Bosch Rexroth: An IO-Link master will typically support four, eight or 16 device inputs. As an example, consider a variable-frequency drive (VFD) with a set of digital and analog inputs available locally on the VFD. The ability of the IO-Link master to handle the IO-Link data structure of the example device will depend on the memory space in the master for the device description files, which can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

 

 

Ed Polzin, product manager, controls, Bosch Rexroth: IO-Link supports point-to-point connections, where each device is connected directly to the IO-Link master or hub using its own dedicated cable. This configuration may be preferred in certain applications where individual device isolation or specific wiring requirements are necessary.

 

It is also possible to daisy-chain IO-Link masters in a system. This allows for the optimization of cabling based on the specific needs of the system, providing greater flexibility in system design and implementation.

 

 

Ed Polzin, product manager, controls, Bosch Rexroth: IO-Link integrates with different fieldbus protocols using IO-Link masters. IO-Link masters act as gateways, allowing communication between the IO-Link devices and the fieldbus network.

 

The IO-Link master translates the IO-Link device data into the format required by the specific fieldbus protocol. IO-Link master integration with different fieldbus protocols provides flexibility and compatibility, allowing for the incorporation of IO-Link devices into a wide range of automation systems and networks.

 

 

Ed Polzin, product manager, controls, Bosch Rexroth: The implementation of IO-Link may involve higher upfront costs compared to traditional wiring methods due to the need for IO-Link masters, cabling and IO-Link-compatible devices. However, the easy configurability and replacement of devices may offset those costs in the long-term. IO-Link devices are easily configurable and can be reprogrammed for different tasks, providing flexibility and adaptability in changing production environments. This can lead to cost savings by reducing the need for additional hardware and minimizing downtime during reconfiguration. Further, there is a large array of IO-Link manufacturers and devices to choose from, allowing optimization for the most appropriate and available option for the system.

 

 

Ed Polzin, product manager, controls, Bosch Rexroth: As industries continue to embrace Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), IO-Link capabilities align with the need for smart, connected devices and systems. Its integration with higher-level control systems and compatibility with existing fieldbus networks make it an asset for modernizing and optimizing industrial processes.

 

Overall, IO-Link's combination of advanced functionality, flexibility and long-term cost benefits positions it as a key technology for enhancing automation and control systems in various industrial settings.

 

 

Ed Polzin, product manager, controls, Bosch Rexroth: CtrlX Automation is an open platform that provides all the building blocks to reduce time to market and minimize engineering costs. It also makes it easy to merge IT and OT applications for digitalization, connectivity and sustainability.

 

One of those building blocks is an IO-Link master, offering simple integration and commissioning of IO-Link devices into the ctrlX ecosystem. In addition, with ctrlX Automation World partners, support for IO-Link masters based on popular fieldbus protocols such as EtherCAT, Profinet and Ethernet/IP is simplified.