IO-Link

IO-Link with Flex-Hybrid Technology: Your key to more efficiency

Sensors with digital IO-Link communication with Flex Hybrid Technology make planning, commissioning and operation of your plants easier, faster and more flexible.

Digitalization has already found its way into many branches of industry under the keywords “Industry 4.0” or “Internet of Things”, and today it is impossible to imagine life without it. A comprehensive range of hygienic sensors within the Anderson-Negele scope of delivery is already equipped with IO-Link and an additional feature: Besides to the conventional analog interfaces, the ILM-4 is equipped with the IO-Link in parallel.

Flex-Hybrid = Digital IO-Link + Analog 4…20 mA: The best of two worlds

For the safe process control of an entire plant technology with a large number of measuring points, control and actuation devices, IO-Link offers significant advantages.
After extensive testing of its practical suitability, we transfer this technology as a digital data transfer standard of the future on all measurement categories. We rely on our Flex-Hybrid technology with IO-Link parallel to the analog 4…20 mA connection.

Data highway instead of one-way street

Installation and commissioning of sanitary IO-Link sensors are extremely time- and cost-saving. A three-pole standard cable without special shielding is sufficient for the bidirectional, interference-free signal transmission and power supply.
In practice, the point-to-point connection at the field level is established from various sensors to IO-Link masters and from there, via field bus systems, to the PLC.

From simple data transfer to intelligent communication

With IO-Link sensors, data streams are also possible in the opposite direction, towards the devices. Each sensor can therefore be parameterized independently of the manufacturer via an IO-Link master. For an optimal process adaptation, specific settings such as measuring ranges or adjustments can be carried out on site.
The status of operating conditions can be checked and queried explicitly at any time. Potential malfunctions, signs of wear, or an increased risk of failure can be detected early, and condition-dependent and production downtimes can be better avoided.

“Plug-and-play” takes on a new meaning

With IO-Link, sensor replacement is more comfortable and safer than ever before and can be performed independently, at any time, and by any employee without any programming effort. For this purpose, the device configuration of each connected sensor can be stored in the IO-Link master. The new sensor will automatically be recognized, configured, and parameterized by the IO-Link master and is immediately operational.

IODD: Operating software and overview of all important IO-Link properties

To operate a sensor with IO-Link, you need the corresponding IODD (IO-Link Device Description) for your IO-Link master. You can find the respective IODD under Downloads on each product page or on the official IODDFinder homepage. To open the IODDFinder homepage just click here.

Simply select your sensor and choose the menu item “Overview”. If you select the menu item “IODDViewer”, you will also find the following details for the selected IO-Link sensor:

• Properties
• Properties
• Parameter
• Diagnosis
• Process data structure
• Connection
• Events

All Details in one brochure

In our brochure “Digital (R)evolution” you find general information, product overviews and technical specifications for all Anderson-Negele IO-Link sensors with digital and Flex Hybrid communication.

To download the brochure in PDF format just click here.