System overview 
  1.10 Connection to the higher-level control 
SIRIUS Innovations 
System Manual, 01/2011, A8E56203870002-03 
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1.10.2  IO-Link 
IO-Link is a new communication standard for sensors and actuators - defined by the 
PROFIBUS User Organization (PNO). The IO-Link technology is based on a point-to-point 
connection of the sensors and actuators to the control. Therefore, this technology is not a 
bus system, but an enhanced version of a classic point-to-point connection. In addition to the 
cyclic operating data, comprehensive parameters and diagnostics data are transferred for 
the connected sensors and actuators. The same 3-wire connecting cable as currently used 
for standard sensors is used. 
IO-Link is: 
●  An open and standardized system for transmitting device-specific data. 
●  An intelligent wiring system positioned between conventional wiring and fieldbus systems. 
●  A system which offers advantages in the control cabinet and is integrated in the TIA 
concept. 
IO-Link is thus an intelligent wiring system which is fully integrated in TIA.  
1.10.2.1  Overview 
Components of an IO-Link system 
Only 2 components are required to use IO-Link: 
●  IO-Link master 
●  IO-Link device (e.g. IO-Link sensor/switching device, IO-Link I/O module) 
Compatibility of IO-Link 
IO-Link guarantees compatibility between standard modules and those with IO-Link 
capability as follows: 
●  IO-Link sensors/actuators can generally be operated on IO-Link modules (master) and on 
standard I/O modules. 
●  Both IO-Link sensors/actuators and current standard sensors/actuators can be used on 
IO-Link modules (master). 
●  If conventional components are used in the IO-Link system, naturally only the standard 
functions are available in this case. 
Expansion by means of IO-Link I/O modules 
The compatibility of IO-Link means that you can connect standard (conventional) 
sensors/actuators to it too. This can be implemented especially cost-effectively with IO-Link 
I/O modules that permit the connection of several sensors/actuators to the controller via one 
cable.