IO-Link makes sensor smarter
2023-06-28Introduction to IO-Link
IO-Link is a standardized IO technology (IEC 61131-9) used for communication with sensors and actuators. With IO-Link technology, data and information from sensors and actuators can be collected, and the data from each IO-Link device can be monitored by the control system. It can be said that this technology achieves the Internet of Things at the ultimate end of automated production. Regarding IO-Link, we know that its greatest advantage is cost savings, but how does it achieve cost savings? Today, through the new product soon to be launched by SENTINEL, the IO-Link pressure sensor, we will talk about how IO-Link technology makes traditional pressure sensors more intelligent and convenient.
Advantages of IO-Link on Pressure Sensors
1. Convenient for debugging
In the industrial environment, pressure sensors are a common type of process control sensor used to monitor the pressure inside tanks or pipes. However, because sensors are often installed at high points in pipes, this makes the tuning of sensors very difficult. In order to solve this problem, some pressure sensors are designed to have Bluetooth modules, so that users can remotely debug them through a mobile phone app. However, if there are many sensors that need to be debugged, they need to be docked, paired, and debugged one by one, which is very time-consuming.
However, IO-Link has solved this pain point through its unique technological features.Pressure sensors with IO-Link functionality have their own "business card", which is the IODD (IO device description), which records detailed information about the device, such as transmission signals (switching signals, analog signals), device parameters and diagnostic information. With this information exchange, operators can remotely operate and debug IO-Link pressure sensors through any engineering tool, without the need to go to the site, which is very convenient.
2. Convenient monitoring
In addition, based on the point-to-point communication technology of IO-Link, the system can monitor the data of IO-Link pressure sensors in real time. Users can set alarm points as needed. When any abnormality occurs with the IO-Link pressure sensor, the system immediately issues an alarm, making it easy to monitor.
3. Convenient for maintenance
Finally, IO-Link technology makes equipment maintenance more convenient. The set parameters can be saved in the system, and if a new device needs to be replaced, the system will automatically configure the parameters to the new device, without the need for re-debugging, which greatly facilitates equipment replacement and maintenance work.
Summary
In conclusion, the use of IO-Link technology enables traditional pressure sensors to have more intelligent performance, making equipment debugging, monitoring and maintenance more convenient and time-saving, thereby achieving the goal of saving labor costs and time costs.
