IO-Link hooks up with Profibus
Profibus International has published documents describing how to integrate IO-Link with Profibus and Profinet. Together with the existing physical layer and protocol specifications, the integration specification forms the basis for the wider use of IO-Link in Profibus and Profinet installations. At the recent Hanover Fair, PI demonstrated IO-Link products from various manufacturers working with its networks.
IO-Link is a new system for linking sensors and actuators to control systems, which can also carry diagnostic and configuration information. There are already more than 30 actively contributing companies in the IO-Link consortium. As well as sensor and actuator manufacturers, they include producers of I/O components, automation systems and semiconductors.
IO-Link’s physical layer and protocol specification are independent of Profibus and Profinet, so IO-Link can be subordinated to any fieldbus or Ethernet-based system. Work to integrate IO-Link with other fieldbus systems is already under way. PI is also reviewing a suitable independent device description for IO-Link, called IO Device Description (IODD).
