Say Goodbye to Complex Wiring: What Can One M12 Cable Do?
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2025-12-02The "Last Mile" Challenge in Industrial Sites
In modern automation systems, data acquisition is no longer a problem. Various sensors can accurately measure key parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow.
However, from “sensing” to “execution,” there often remains a “last mile”—data is collected, but it is difficult to manage efficiently, configure flexibly, and diagnose transparently.
In traditional setups, PLCs are the core of control systems, responsible for logic computation and action execution. But as field devices increase, analog signals and scattered wiring significantly raise the cost of PLC maintenance and expansion. The emergence of IO-Link addresses this "information bottleneck": it enables sensors and actuators to communicate with PLCs in a standardized, parameterizable way—not to replace the control power of PLCs, but to enhance their sensing and management capabilities.
Measuring Units: A Diverse Array of IO-Link Sensors
Vortex Flow Sensor: Precise Monitoring of Dynamic Fluids
The vortex flowmeter uses the Kármán vortex street principle to measure flow non-invasively by detecting vortex frequency as fluid flows past a bluff body.
SENTINEL’s vortex flow sensors are specially designed for water media, featuring:
Pressure Sensor: A Key Node in Process Control
Pressure is a core parameter in process industries. Modern IO-Link pressure sensors typically adopt ceramic or diffused silicon piezoresistive structures with the following features:
Temperature Sensors and Transmitters: Comprehensive Thermal Monitoring
Two common IO-Link options include:
Actuation Units: Flexible and Efficient Relay Modules
IO-Link Relay Module Architecture
Relay modules act as IO-Link slaves, converting digital instructions from the master into physical relay actions.
They include:
Module Interfaces and Key Features
SENTINEL’s IO-Link relay modules don’t contain relays themselves but serve as relay bases with IO-Link communication and status indication.
Diagnostic and Maintenance Advantages
Traditional relays fail unpredictably. IO-Link modules report:
Typical Configurations: From Theory to Practice
Case 1: Intelligent Coordination in Industrial Cooling Systems
Case 2: Precise Sorting on Packaging Lines
Case 3: Temperature Loop in Vacuum Sintering Furnace
Next Step in Smart Manufacturing
From vortex flowmeters to pressure sensors, Pt100 transmitters to relay modules, IO-Link is standardizing sensing and control. These cases prove that each node can be digitized, identified, and managed. IO-Link changes how data flows and devices collaborate, transforming the last mile into the start of intelligence.
Customer Support & Services
SENTINEL Electronics has 17 years of automation experience and over 170 projects across industries. Contact us at 022-83726972 or visit www.sentinel-china.com.
Book a demo or request a trial sample to get a tailored solution from “data input” to “action execution.”
In modern automation systems, data acquisition is no longer a problem. Various sensors can accurately measure key parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow.
However, from “sensing” to “execution,” there often remains a “last mile”—data is collected, but it is difficult to manage efficiently, configure flexibly, and diagnose transparently.
In traditional setups, PLCs are the core of control systems, responsible for logic computation and action execution. But as field devices increase, analog signals and scattered wiring significantly raise the cost of PLC maintenance and expansion. The emergence of IO-Link addresses this "information bottleneck": it enables sensors and actuators to communicate with PLCs in a standardized, parameterizable way—not to replace the control power of PLCs, but to enhance their sensing and management capabilities.
Measuring Units: A Diverse Array of IO-Link Sensors
Vortex Flow Sensor: Precise Monitoring of Dynamic Fluids
The vortex flowmeter uses the Kármán vortex street principle to measure flow non-invasively by detecting vortex frequency as fluid flows past a bluff body.
SENTINEL’s vortex flow sensors are specially designed for water media, featuring:
- Flow range: 10–100 L/min, ideal for cooling water circulation and process water monitoring;
- Output modes: Supports switch output (frequency pulse), 4–20 mA analog output, and IO-Link digital communication for system compatibility;
- Structural advantages: Simple design, no moving parts, anti-scaling, easy to clean, stable long-term operation.
Pressure Sensor: A Key Node in Process Control
Pressure is a core parameter in process industries. Modern IO-Link pressure sensors typically adopt ceramic or diffused silicon piezoresistive structures with the following features:
- Measurement range: From vacuum (–1 bar) to high pressure (600 bar), with accuracy up to ±0.5% FS;
- Response time: Typically within 10 ms, suitable for rapid changes;
- Multiple outputs: IO-Link + analog + programmable switch outputs, ideal for hybrid system upgrades.
Temperature Sensors and Transmitters: Comprehensive Thermal Monitoring
Two common IO-Link options include:
- Pt1000 Temperature Transmitter
- Converts RTD signal into standard IO-Link output;
- Measurement range: –50 °C to +150 °C;
- Built-in linearization and cold-junction compensation, with ±1 °C accuracy.
- Integrated IO-Link Temperature Sensor
- Uses Pt1000 element for long-term stability and fast response;
- Stainless steel housing for corrosion resistance and pressure endurance;
- Rotatable display for convenient installation and maintenance.
Actuation Units: Flexible and Efficient Relay Modules
IO-Link Relay Module Architecture
Relay modules act as IO-Link slaves, converting digital instructions from the master into physical relay actions.
They include:
- Main Modules: e.g., SIOL-TL-16RM1S, providing 16 relay outputs and IO-Link communication with upper-level systems;
- Expansion Modules: e.g., REX-16R1S or REX-8R1S, cascade with main modules to expand output by 8 or 16 channels.
Module Interfaces and Key Features
SENTINEL’s IO-Link relay modules don’t contain relays themselves but serve as relay bases with IO-Link communication and status indication.
- Each channel supports standard relays like Omron, Hongfa, IDEC, Chint, etc. (e.g., G2R-1-S, HF157F/24-1Z);
- Supports DIN35 rail or panel mounting for flexible deployment;
- IO-Link monitoring of output status, relay cycles, power and communication;
- Up to 32 outputs with expansion modules.
Diagnostic and Maintenance Advantages
Traditional relays fail unpredictably. IO-Link modules report:
- Cumulative cycles (lifetime warning);
- Coil current anomalies (poor contact detection);
- Short/open load conditions.
Typical Configurations: From Theory to Practice
Case 1: Intelligent Coordination in Industrial Cooling Systems
Case 2: Precise Sorting on Packaging Lines
Case 3: Temperature Loop in Vacuum Sintering Furnace
Next Step in Smart Manufacturing
From vortex flowmeters to pressure sensors, Pt100 transmitters to relay modules, IO-Link is standardizing sensing and control. These cases prove that each node can be digitized, identified, and managed. IO-Link changes how data flows and devices collaborate, transforming the last mile into the start of intelligence.
Customer Support & Services
SENTINEL Electronics has 17 years of automation experience and over 170 projects across industries. Contact us at 022-83726972 or visit www.sentinel-china.com.
Book a demo or request a trial sample to get a tailored solution from “data input” to “action execution.”
