IO-Link is certainly one of the shooting stars of automation technology. In recent years, the vendor-neutral plug-in connection has established itself in many applications due to its simplicity, ruggedness, and low cost. But there’s more to IO-Link. For one thing, IO-Link is an enabler for innovative sensors. For another thing, IO-Link ensures the data availability demanded by Industrie 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things.

The chemical industry is well acquainted with networks. Many locations operate in close raw material and energy networks. This is now to be extended to the data level – or at least the measured value level. For it is apparent that analog measured value transmission in chemical plants is often no longer adequate for future tasks. For this reason, the process industry is now openly discussing the topic of IIoT, Industrie 4.0, and using Ethernet technologies.

Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer) improves the value creation of your process system through the use of Internet technology and high-speed communication down to the field level. As a result, the installation, configuration and maintenance of instruments and automation technology are greatly simplified.

IO-Link enables the Industrial Internet of Things and Industrie 4.0 by providing communications over the last meter, to the last sensors and actuators. The latest IO-Link member meeting generated a lot of international attention. Learn about the success stories, use cases, and development plans presented during the event.

2019 is shaping up to be a very big year –at least it is for PROFIBUS/PROFINET International (PI). With a number of major releases planned, now is the time to familiarize yourself with three major technological advancements that are finally coming into reality.

PI showcased its first TSN integration demonstration at Hannover Messe 2018. From a user perspective, the demo subtly exhibited a very interesting and unique feature…