IO-Link with Bihl+Wiedemann: Easy, Flexible & Cost-efficient
Why Should you Choose Us for IO-Link integration?
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-5 and our user-friendly PC software – from the device to the PLC or cloud. Our fieldbus independent solution provides more benefits than just freedom in the choice 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.
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
When using a setup multiple times, the parameters of the connected IO-Link devices can be easily copied from master to master thanks to our PC software. This applies both within and across projects. The copy feature saves a lot of time and reduces parameterization errors, especially when using many IO-Link devices.
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. 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. 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.
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.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Aktiver Verteiler ASi-5 / IO-Link Master](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/a/csm_Aktiver-Verteiler-IO-Link_25082020_76d09128fe.png "[Translate to Englisch:] Aktiver Verteiler ASi-5 / IO-Link Master")
![[Translate to Englisch:] ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways mit integriertem Sicherheitsmonitor](/fileadmin/_processed_/b/0/csm_3674_d31359c0c2.png "[Translate to Englisch:] ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways mit integriertem Sicherheitsmonitor")
![[Translate to Englisch:] ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways in Edelstahl](/fileadmin/_processed_/6/1/csm_3848_ebecc82698.png "[Translate to Englisch:] ASi-5/ASi-3 Gateways in Edelstahl")
Jochen Bihl introduces the ASi-5 Module with integrated IO-Link Master with 4 ports from Bihl+Wiedemann. The ASi-5 module can transmit up to 32 bytes of I/O cyclic data – which fits IO-Link perfectly. By default the modules transmit over AS-i a total of 8 bytes – 2 bytes per port – in 1.27 ms.
Video length: 2:39
IO-Link is an integral part of ASi-5. Paul Werge, Product Manager at Bihl+Wiedemann presents the new ASi-5 Module with inetgrated O-Link Master at Hanover Fair 2019. The new ASi-5 Module with integrated IO-Link Master is able to integrate any IO-Link devices into ASi. Up to 32 bytes of process data can be configured.
Video length: 1:43
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.
