Create a system of sensors and actuators that you can remotely update, view measurements from, and receive error messages in real time. IO Link systems minimize downtime by locating issues such as cut cables or dirty sensors quickly. They send only digital signals to your PLC, regardless of whether your sensors and actuators send digital or analog signals. Because these systems send digital signals, they’re more reliable and less prone to data error and signal loss than analog signals. It also means you don't have to use expensive shielded cables since they resist EMI.

When retrofitting an existing system, you'll need to make sure your PLC can incorporate IO Link. Check with your PLC manufacturer—most have hardware that allows you to upgrade your PLC to run IO Link.

Controllers communicate between your sensors and actuators and your PLC. They are required. Setting memory automatically stores your settings and restores them once your device is back online. This eliminates needing to program a device again when you replace or fix it. Surface mount controllers let you mount controllers on equipment such as tanks and conveyors. By mounting them on your equipment, you save space in your control cabinet. They use M12 connectors. DIN-rail mount controllers are designed to mount inside your control cabinet, so you can access all your process control devices in a central location. They include RJ45 Ethernet ports to support JSON and MQTT IoT (Internet of Things) protocols, allowing you to link the system directly to your web server to upload information to the Cloud. Connect these ports with RJ45 cords.

Expansion modules increase the number of inputs and outputs in your IO Link system, so you can add more sensors and actuators to your network. Connect multiple devices to each expansion module using M12 connectors, without needing to wire your devices inside a control cabinet. They transmit signals from multiple devices with a single cord. Expansion modules are optional, but when used, they must connect to a controller. Mount them on your equipment to save space in your control cabinet.

Converters translate analog signals to digital signals, making sensors and actuators IO-Link compatible. They are required to connect analog components to controllers and modules.

Protective caps prevent dust and debris from harming M12 connections when they're not in use. They also help maintain IP ratings by covering unused ports. Stainless steel protective caps have a neoprene gasket, which helps maintain IP69K ratings.

IP rated components block out dust and withstand some water, so they do not require an enclosure. Ports that are unused must be capped to maintain their rating. IP65 rated components can be rinsed. IP66 rated components withstand washdowns. IP67 rated components can be temporarily submerged in water. IP69K rated components hold up to high-pressure and high-temperature washdowns.

Note: Sockets may have extra holes on their face that are not used.