Cost-effective connection

Emerson has introduced a new Class A IO-Link master that provides customers with a cost-effective solution for connecting intelligent and analogue sensors to the AventicsSTM Series G3 fieldbus platform.

The G3 IO-Link master is suitable for machine architectures with many sensors and pneumatic valves where reliable digital data communication between field devices such as sensors and the machine controller is essential. Application areas include the automotive industry, tyre manufacturing, the food and beverage industry, the packaging industry and metal processing.

IO-Link is an internationally standardised I/O technology (IEC 61131-9) for communication at sensor/actuator level in the machine control system. When replaced, IO-Link devices can automatically identify and configure themselves, which saves maintenance time. The IO-Link master enables pneumatic valve control through direct digital data communication with the machine controller. It offers event-based and I/O-assigned diagnostics - both important prerequisites for predictive maintenance of Industry 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.

By adding the IO-Link functions to our valve systems, our customers can integrate several IO-Link masters on just one G3 fieldbus platform and thus save hardware costs. This makes our customers future-proof and equipped for the requirements of Industry 4.0/IIoT applications.

Customers can reduce their costs by reducing the number of communication nodes. The G3 IO-Link master is optimised for applications with many sensors and has eight Class A ports per module to support multiple IO-Link smart and standard analogue sensors. The IO-Link master can be up to 30 metres away from the G3. Together with the maximum 20 metre IO-Link cable, the sensors can be located up to 50 metres away from the G3 fieldbus platform. This reduces material costs and streamlines the machines as fewer cables are required.

The IO-Link Master offers a complete solution from Emerson. Customers can experience the benefits of integrating IIoT into their systems by using the IO-Link enabled AV03/AV05 and 500 series valve systems, EV12 and EV18 series electro-pneumatic pressure controllers, 617 Sentronic LP and 614 Sentronic PLUS series proportional valves, the intelligent compact ejectors from the ECD-IV and ECD-LV series, the proximity sensors from the SM6-AL series, the magnetic proximity sensors from the ST4-2P series, the pressure sensors from the PE5 and PE7 series and the flow sensors from the AF2 series. Class B IO-Link solutions can also be supported with an optional T-adapter.

The G3 is the only fieldbus electronics platform for pneumatic valve systems that includes a graphical display for configuration, commissioning and diagnostics. It offers both original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and end users improved performance and reduced maintenance. The G3 IO-Link Master can also be configured using the G3 web server. Easy access to the connections makes the electronic platform simple to assemble, install, commission and maintain. The functionality of G3 enables programmable logic controllers to efficiently switch valves on and off and channel I/O data from sensors, lights, relays, individual valves or other I/O devices across various industrial networks.

Other benefits include compatibility with the entire G3 range of valve interfaces, including the 501, 502, 503 (ISO15407-2), 2035, 2002, 2005, 2012 and 511, 512, 513 (ISO 5599-2) series. The G3 IO-Link master supports the frequently used EtherNet/IP™ DLR and PROFINET™ protocols. Other protocols are available on request.