F O O D P R O C E S S I N G T E C H N O L O GY
Digitalise your plant with IO-Link
IO-Link is a standardised communication technology (IEC 61131-9) that shortens commissioning time and allows plug-play device exchange. This technology allows digital accessibility of basic devices.
W
ith ever-improving performance and functionalities,
instrumentation in the field requires time and knowledge for their selection, sizing and commissioning. Simple operations are thus important for basic functionality sensors. These sensors in the field need to be installed and be able to run autonomously to keep the focus on the major production lines. Therefore, simplicity of installation and minimal maintenance are key.
• Reduced variety of sensors, e.g.
Key benefits of IO-link
with IO-Link.
• Easy and efficient integration, e.g. by using standardised function blocks. • Ideal fit of Industrial Ethernet high end devices accompanied by basic IO-Link devices. • Reduced variety of plugs and cabling, substitution of DI/DO/PNP/NPN/ Pulse/0…10 V / 4…20 mA signals.
configuration of switching points • Fast commissioning and start-up, e.g. by standardised cabling and automated parameter settings.
DIGITALISATION FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS Seamless integration of basic devices is necessary in a digital environment. Endress+Hauser enables automation of plants with basic and cost-effective IO-Link devices. This allows customers to achieve operational efficiencies while reducing
costs. Quite often, entry-level instrumentation is not considered because of their lack of compatibility with the rest of the instrumentation in the field. IOLink is a digital protocol that offers huge improvements in the implementation of basic sensors in the field. The time and cost of project implementation can be reduced significantly thanks to IO-Link’s open protocol. Each IO-Link device is connected to an IO-Link master that acts as a gateway to a fieldbus such as Ethernet/IP. Since IO-Link is not a fieldbus dependent system, it can be added to existing control systems at a minimum cost. Other advantages of IOLink technology include the automatic transfer of parameters after a device replacement, as well as low wiring effort compared to conventional wiring. In confined spaces where direct wired communication can be critical, some instruments even feature wireless communication capabilities such as Bluetooth which is included in Endress+Hauser’s Picomag as an example. •
Endress+Hauser – www.endress.com
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Food Review | March 2020
