PLC Programming
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Siemens Implementation

IO-Link for Siemens

Point-to-point communication standard for connecting sensors and actuators. Provides parameterization and diagnostics.

Type: Sensor-LevelSpeed: 4.8, 38.4, or 230.4 kbpsReleased: 2006Organization: IO-Link Community
230.4 kbps
Bandwidth
1 device per port
Max Nodes
20m standard cable
Max Distance
Yes
Real-Time

Protocol Overview

Point-to-point communication standard for connecting sensors and actuators. Provides parameterization and diagnostics.

When to Use IO-Link

Choose IO-Link for smart sensors, remote parameterization needs, predictive maintenance, or upgrading existing 3-wire sensor infrastructure.

Technical Specifications

Physical Layer

  • Physical Layer: 24V DC (IEC 61131-2)
  • Cable Type: Standard 3-wire sensor cable
  • Topology: Point-to-point
  • Power Over Cable: Yes

Data Layer

  • Data Link: IO-Link protocol
  • Encoding: NRZ
  • Error Detection: CRC-8
  • Frame Size: 32 bytes

Performance

  • Scan Time: <1ms typical
  • Deterministic: Yes
  • Real-Time: Yes

Certification

  • Certification Required: Yes
  • License Cost: Free for members of IO-Link Community
  • Version: V1.1

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

  • ✓Uses standard 3-wire sensor cables
  • ✓Hot-swappable with auto-configuration
  • ✓Remote parameterization
  • ✓Rich diagnostic data
  • ✓Device identification and replacement
  • ✓Works with existing cables
  • ✓Vendor-independent
  • ✓Lower cost than fieldbus per port

Disadvantages

  • ✗Point-to-point only (no multi-drop)
  • ✗Requires IO-Link master
  • ✗Limited distance (20m)
  • ✗Not suitable for high-speed motion control
  • ✗Requires IO-Link capable devices

Common Use Cases & Applications

Smart sensor integration
Remote sensor configuration
Predictive maintenance
Quality assurance systems
Process monitoring
Device diagnostics

Industry Adoption

Adoption LevelHigh and growing
Market Share20-25% of new sensor installations
Geographic PresenceWorldwide
Primary Industries
AutomotivePackagingFood & BeverageAssemblyProcess Industries

Supported Message Types

Process data
Service data
Events

Supported PLC Brands

Siemens
ifm
Balluff
Pepperl+Fuchs
Turck
Sick
Phoenix Contact
Omron

Protocol Comparisons

Quick Links

Alternative Protocols

  • AS-Interface
  • Analog signals
  • Discrete I/O

Related Standards

  • IEC 61131-3

    International standard for programmable logic controller programming languages. Defines 5 programmin...

  • IEC 61131 Series

    Complete series of international standards for programmable logic controllers covering hardware, sof...

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