Employing IO-Link to interface field device I/O, progressive machine builders are modernizing their controls architectures to support the IIoT and I4.0, while at the same time saving up to 50% over traditional control system designs. IO-Link is an open and standardized sensor-actuator communication technology according to IEC 61131.
IO-Link has been around for over ten years, and is primarily known for simplifying the integration of smart sensors because IO-Link communication to field devices can be accomplished over all of the most popular industrial networks. However, many companies are quietly having success utilizing IO-Link as an enabler for innovating cost-saving control system architectures.