IO-Link with Bihl+Wiedemann: Easy, Flexible & Cost-efficient
IO-Link devices are nowadays common in machines and systems. This is because IO-Link allows sensors and actuators to be connected to the control level via a cost-effective point-to-point connection. Find out more about IO-Link and the associated advantages here.
This page mainly deals with the following question: What is the best way to integrate IO-Link? Bihl+Wiedemann offers you a sophisticated concept for this: IO-Link can be embedded perfectly in ASi-5and our user-friendly PC software – from the device to the PLC or cloud. Our solution provides more benefits than just freedom of topology, reduced wiring complexity without switches, and a smart power supply concept. Other advantages include reduced IP management complexity and low-cost IO-Link masters, which we provide with 1, 2, 4 and 8 ports. Numerous technical features also enable you to commission IO-Link devices with maximum convenience. For us, one thing is certain: There is no smarter and more economical way to integrate IO-Link.
Integration independent of system and manufacturer
IO-Link modules from Bihl+Wiedemann feature interfaces for almost all standardized fieldbus systems found in industrial automation technology, no matter which control system is used. System- and manufacturer-independent use is made possible by the ASi-5 technology, which also enables significantly faster transmission of larger data volumes. This means that many applications can be implemented easily and cost-effectively.
Advantages at a glance
Extremely simple commissioning
IO-Link masters can be easily integrated using our convenient configuration tool. For example, you can easily open the IODD and get graphical support for the parameterization of IO-Link devices. Live device parameterization gives you direct control over the settings while being online.
Automatic parameterization when replacing devices
Our PC software makes it easy to copy and reuse parameters from IO-Link devices. This applies both within projects and across various projects. The copy function saves a lot of time and reduces parameterization errors, especially when using many IO-Link devices.
Integrated
IT interfaces
All our ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways have an OPC UA server and a REST API as IT interfaces. This enables seamless integration into IT systems, such as cloud-based databases. Process, parameter, and diagnostic data from the IO-Link devices can therefore be transferred easily and cost-effectively to the cloud or HMI – a prerequisite for modern systems in the age of Industry 4.0.
Smart
wiring concept
The amount of effort required for wiring is reduced because all nodes – IO-Link devices, standard sensors and safety modules – are connected to an unshielded 2-core cable using piercing technology. Because no connectors are required, you also save costs and valuable resources. Besides, the maximum IO-Link cable length of 20 meters plays a secondary role in our case because you can distribute the IO-Link masters anywhere on the AS-Interface cable with up to 200 meters in length.
Smart
energy distribution
In round cable solutions, the respective connector indirectly determines the "limit" for individual IO-Link masters and for the total current of all IO-Link masters connected in series. With ASi, no loop-through from module to module is needed . The AUX supply is done over reverse polarity protected profile cables, so each IO-Link master draws its energy individually – at 20 A per AUX cable.
Full
flexibility
While common IO-Link masters are only available from 4 ports or more, ASi also offers the possibility to efficiently integrate 1- or 2-port IO-Link masters. This means that even distributed individual IO-Link devices can be perfectly integrated and no resources are wasted in terms of sustainability. You also enjoy great freedom in the choice of topology and can implement a star, ring, line and network structure, for example. You also gain maximum flexibility through the fieldbus independence of our IO-Link masters.
Reduced
overall costs
Our IO-Link masters with 4 ports are, for instance, about 50 % cheaper than comparable modules from other manufacturers. This means that the costs for our gateway are recovered, for example, from just 3 IO-Link masters with 4 ports each. You also reduce your installation workload and benefit from the elimination of switches and pre-assembled cables. Click here to view our main cost comparison.
Avoid unused ports and increase flexibility
The simple integration into AS-Interface means no more unnecessary IO-Link masters. Moreover, our IO-Link masters (e.g., BWU4386), can be used for a number of other applications, because ports that are not required for IO-Link can be used as standard I/Os:
- Every M12 socket has two signals, each of which can be configured as I/O and IO-Link as needed.
The module can also be used as a 16-I/O hub for standard digital signals.
Thanks to the many configuration possibilities, you do not need any additional standard digital modules, which are expensive.
Instead of connecting IO Hubs to IO-Link Masters, use our I/O modules directly
In order to collect many digital I/Os, IO hubs and IO-Link master ports are often used - there is great potential for optimization here. Simply use an ASi-5 Self-configuring I/O Module from Bihl+Wiedemann: The 16 digital signals of the BWU4230 can be used as inputs or outputs in any desired way - and can be integrated without the detour via IO-Link. By simply integrating digital I/Os via ASi, you do not need any additional IO-Link masters and also transmit the standard signals significantly faster. At the same time, there is no need for M12 connection cables between IO-Link I/O hubs and IO-Link master ports.
The maximum IO-Link cable length of 20 meters is also irrelevant. Find out here why this is the case.
Save valuable resources
The flexible configurability of the IO-Link module offers many advantages. Using AS-Interface also means you need less costly connectors and cables, thereby significantly reducing installation times and material costs. This way, you can save valuable resources such as copper and plastic, which are needed for manufacturing. Even the energy consumed during cable production is significantly reduced. And last but not least, there is a positive environmental effect when it comes to disposal – less waste is generated.
The IO-Link master is integrated as an ASi node into the ASi network
IO-Link devices can be integrated into the ASi network along with standard sensors, standard actuators and safety components
All process data (up to 32 bytes per port) of the IO-Link devices is available via the cyclic ASi communication.
All IO-Link parameters can be conveniently adjusted through the B+W Software Suite or acyclically via the control system
Diagnostic information from IO-Link available via ASi
Our IO-Link masters can be optimally combined with IO-Link devices from any manufacturer
If an IO-Link device needs to be replaced, its parameters are stored in the IO-Link master and are transferred automatically to the new one.
IO-Link products
All IO-Link masters offer up to 32 bytes of cyclic process data per port and up to 4 x 16 bits of usable data are available in 1.27 ms each. The Bihl+Wiedemann software suites always enable convenient parameterization.
IO-Link Master mit 4 ports / 8 ports
for use in the field
ASi-5 Module with integrated IO-Link Master, IP67
- 4 × IO-Link ports, IP67, e.g.:
- 2 × IO-Link ports Class A, 2 × IO-Link ports Class B
- 4 × IO-Link ports Class A
- 8 × IO-Link ports Class A in one housing (BWU4386)
Additional I/O signal on pin 2
IO-Link Master with 4 ports
for the control cabinet
ASi-5 Module with integrated IO-Link Master
- 4 × IO-Link ports, IP20 (BWU3843)
ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways
Compatible with existing networks
1.27 ms cycle time for up to 384 input and 384 output bits
Most powerful platform from Bihl+Wiedemann
IO-Link Safety solutions from Bihl+Wiedemann
IO-Link Safety is an extension of IO-Link. There is an additional safety communication layer on the master and device side. These become the "Fail-Safe (FS) master" and "Fail-Safe (FS) device". Bihl+Wiedemann is in the process of developing its own "FS master". IO-Link is already a perfect match for the safety components of Bihl+Wiedemann.
Reduced machine-related costs
A cost-efficient standard cable establishes a connection up to 20 meters long between the IO-Link master and IO-Link device.
High machine availability
Downtimes are reduced because when a defective IO-Link device is replaced, its parameters are automatically transferred to the new sensor by the IO-Link master or control system.
Efficient operation
IO-Link devices can be positioned in the machine directly at the work site. These do not have to be accessible for parameterization.
Demand-oriented maintenance
Continuous diagnostic data of the entire process lengthen maintenance intervals, since systems and machines need to be maintained much less frequently due to the automatic readjustment via IO-Link
It is possible to extend existing bus systems. As a prerequisite, the system mapping of IO-Link for the respective bus system must be already implemented. It is particularly easy to use IO-Link in conjunction with the ASi intelligent wiring system. Thanks to piercing technology, corresponding IO-Link masters can be easily retrofitted where they are needed.
It is possible to extend existing bus systems. As a prerequisite, the system mapping of IO-Link for the respective bus system must be already implemented. It is particularly easy to use IO-Link in conjunction with the ASi intelligent wiring system. Thanks to piercing technology, corresponding IO-Link masters can be easily retrofitted where they are needed.
