IO-Link is an enhancement to the I/O assembly-sensor interface that enables more efficient, standardised communications while maintaining low cost. The standard is a fieldbus-independent sensor/actuator communication system, developed by a consortium of sensor companies and administered by Profibus International. It is defined as a point-to-point connection between sensor/actuator (Slave), and the I/O module or PLC (Master).

IO-Link sensors use three types of communication: switching status (binary, like con-ventional sensors), cyclical process data (e.g. digital transmission of measured values), acyclic transfer of device parameters and diagnosis data. The signal transmission is based on a 24 V pulse modulation with standard UART protocol in half duplex mode, for a distance of up to 20 metres long on a standard 2 or 3-wire cable. NEC Electronics positions itself as a solutions provider for designers by offering an exhaustive range of devices suitable to IO-Link applications. Software for IO-Link can be delivered by third party partners, names of which can be supplied upon further enquiries. For Master modules, a low cost 32-bit microcontroller from the V850 family can be used to introduce the intelligence and number of ports required. NEC Electronics gives you the advantage of the large range of 32-bit microcontrollers with up to 8 integrated UARTs. For connection to the Ethernet network of your design, NEC’s ERTEC solution gives you compatibility to the Profinet technology. For sensors (slaves or devices), designers have a choice of low pin count 8-bit and 16-bit controllers with integrated UARTS, up to 16 channels 10-bit A/D converters, and additional peripherals to implement complex functions and achieve the precision required of today’ s automation systems.