Using IO-Link for analogue signals cuts costs

Published: 31 January, 2019

Balluff has come up with a device that saves money by using IO-Link to handle analogue inputs and outputs, and uses unshielded three-conductor cables instead of shielded cables. It avoids the need for marshalling panels and expensive analogue interfaces, and is said to improve process quality by switching from analogue to digital data transmission.

Different input, output, current and voltage signals can be used in one converter module. The analogue port can be configured for a voltage or current signal, a Pt sensor or a thermocouple. The current/voltage interfaces include 0–10V, 0–5V, 5–10V, –10 to +10V, 0–20mA and 4–20mA. The resolution can be selected to be 10 or 16 bits.

The IP67-protected converters have stainless-steel housings and are designed for harsh environments. The plug-and-play IO-Link and analogue connections are made using M12 connectors. Power is supplied via IO-Link.

Balluff's IO-Link converter handles analogue signals and cuts costs

Balluff has also developed a universal IO-Link interface for extreme conditions in food and pharmaceutical plants. The IP69-protected device is said to ensure secure, error-free signal transmission. The interface can connect equipment such as pumps, signal lights and switches to the control level via IO-Link using up to eight I/O. the compact module offers fast IO-Link connections via standard senor cables with M12 plugs as well as open cables with 10 conductors. The lean wiring is said to save space, time and money.