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Space saving and flexible
An IO-Link module on the BL20 gateway provides four IO-Link masters. This means that up to 64 binary signals can be connected with a single module. The flexibility of the overall solution is always ensured. Additional IO-Link master modules or other I/O modules can be connected easily to the BL20 gateway.
The customer was able to successfully complete the commissioning of the system quickly. As many identical sensors are connected and only TBIL I/O hubs were used as I/O-Link devices, the workload involved was manageable anyway.
Analog signals via IO-Link
IO-Link is still unfamiliar territory for many customers. Some were initially skeptical, particularly due to the unusual setup in the controller. However, after an IO-Link installation is completed, most customers are convinced of the benefits. In the application described, the customer realized that he would also be able to connect all measuring sensors for pressure and temperature with IO-Link as long as they have an interface. Special analog input modules are thus just as unnecessary as the expensive shielded cables for analog signals. The analog sensor could be connected directly next to the I/O hub to IO-Link master module of the BL20. The sensor parameters can then be set directly from the controller. The customer intends to examine this option with future projects.
The project engineer for the customer is impressed by IO-Link: “We have good reason to believe that the IO-Link communication interface will be the top choice for the new generation of intelligent devices. Devices with IO-Link communicate data digitally and can thus exchange process values as well as configuration information and diagnostic data. The information exchange is transparent on the entire section from the sensor right up to the controller.”
Turck benefit: System expertise in IO-Link
Turck offers one of the most extensive IO-Link portfolios on the market. From measuring and switching sensors, to connection technology and the TBIL I/O hub, right through to IO-Link masters for the most important fieldbuses and Ethernet protocols in IP20 and IP67. This system diversity is virtually unique on the market. Customers benefit from Turck's mature system know-how.
The integration of the IO-Link devices on Turck IO-Link masters via the controller will be even easier in the future. The setting options of the Turck devices are integrated into the GSDML file of the Turck IO-Link master. For the customer, this means it is only necessary to read the GSDML in the controller software in order to set up a device. The devices just have to be selected on the master. The IO-Link device parameters to be set can be selected via drop-down fields instead of having to program IO-Link call function blocks manually. The time saved means that the installation can be put into production even faster, thus offering an edge in highly competitive markets such as the auto parts supplier industry.
* Author: Yu Gu is Fieldbus Product Engineer at Turck in China
(ID:43805149)