The future of automation IO-Link0 pages

ENHHT1F01 - 0915
Order no. MKT000047- 02

IO-LINK
INTELLIGENT POINT-TO-POINT CONNECTION
Integrating intelligent sensors and actuators with IO-Link
IO-Link is the rst standardized IO technology worldwide for communication from the control system to the lowest level of automation.
This IO-Link standard serves as a point-to-point connection independent of the eldbus and works with an unshielded industrial cable as
a universal interface. Zimmer Group relies on the communication system IO-Link to integrate intelligent components into an automation
system. In this system, the individual sensors and actuators (the IO-Link devices) are connected to an IO-Link master, which serves as an
interface to the higher-level control system (PLC) and controls the communication with the connected IO-Link devices.
IO-Link transmits all signals between sensors and actuators and the control system. This allows for clear control and transparent
diagnostics of the entire system. All IO-Link devices have a unique serial number which makes it possible to identify them positively.
Moreover, their memory system stores parameter data which can be read out or written via the IO-Link protocol. In the case of an
intelligent gripper, for example, this could be the intensity of the gripping force or gripping speed. Since these parameters can be
changed at any time by the PLC, IO-Link makes it possible to adapt the gripper based on the results from a downstream measurement or
even to adjust it to a different product version.
Easy parameterization, comprehensive diagnostics
With IO-Link, the user can focus on the central function of the devices, create and save parameters in centralized form for the devices
as needed and automatically restore the previous default settings after exchanging the device. The setting data can either be entered
manually or taught via pairing. Once the setting parameters have been chosen for the connected sensors and actuators, they can be
saved centrally and duplicated very easily for similar devices. Thus performing individual parameterization or repeatedly setting a large
number of similar devices becomes unnecessary. This leads to substantial time savings during commissioning. Actuators and sensors
can be exchanged during ongoing operation and initialized if necessary.
The process ensures maximum machine availability, time savings and cost-eciency, since the setting data can be transmitted quickly
and accurately to the new devices. IO-Link also offers numerous options for extended diagnostics and predictive maintenance. Reliable,
high-quality diagnostics of all systems and processes from the lowest level of the sensors and actuators to the highest host system
is possible at any time. Analog values can be transmitted over a distance of up to 20 m without loss. In combination with the active
data recording, this allows for the creation of data series, which can be used for expanded diagnostics. This enables demand-oriented
maintenance. Components can be replaced preventively as soon as signs of wear are noticed, long before failure occurs.
Easily installed, with many advantages

The future of
automation
IO-Link

It is easy to install and integrate IO-Link and it reduces and standardizes the wiring effort. All that is needed for establishing a point-topoint connection is a standardized connection, which is established via a unshielded 5-wire cable / M12 connection.
By maintaining tried-and-tested cabling structures and the compatibility with conventional wiring, previous investments are protected
to a great extent.

Products with IO-Link
+ Grippers
+ Rotary distributors
+ Clamping elements
+ Spindles

THE KNOW-HOW FACTORY
CONTACT
Zimmer Group
Am Glockenloch 2
D-77866 Rheinau / Germany
T +49 7844 9139-0
F +49 7844 9139-1199
info@zimmer - group.de
www.zimmer - group.de

www.zimmer - group.com