Did you know that IO-Link has an incredible number of parameter assignment methods?
This article takes a look at five different use cases for accessing IO-Link devices and how configuration settings can be transferred to them.
Example 1: How are parameters assigned for an IO-Link device that is simply lying on the table? Several manufacturers offer IO-Link masters for this purpose, which are connected to a PC via USB or a wireless connection. Each IO-Link device has an IODD (IO Device Description-file). The device tool takes the IODD, which enables it to present the device on the screen and to read, write, and edit process data, parameters, and diagnostics.
Example 2: Parameter assignment for an IO-Link device already installed in the machine can be carried out using the engineering tool of the controller. The basis for this is again the IODD as well as a PCT (Port Configuration Tool) or a device tool called up via a TCI (Tool Calling Interface).
Example 3: When the machine is networked via an Ethernet-based fieldbus, parameter assignment is very easy. Modern device tools or web servers integrated in masters allow access to all IO-Link devices over the Ethernet network.
Example 4: Automatic parameter assignment for a device is needed after replacement during service? IO-Link V1.1 supports so-called data storage, i.e., the IO-Link master saves the parameters of all connected IO-Link devices. The IO-Link master recognizes a replaced IO-Link device during power-up and automatically assigns it the parameter data of its predecessor.
Example 5: Controller manufacturers support PLC programmers with system function blocks that allow acyclic data transfer. This enables the programmer to assign parameters for the entire system in an automated manner.