Since being launched in 2006, IO-Link, the simple and low-cost, industrial communications standard has grown to include over 120 companies, primarily manufacturers of sensors and actuators.

IO-Link’s motto that it uses “3 instead of 19 wires” gives a feel for the simplicity of the short distance, bi-directional, digital, point-to-point communication standard, otherwise known as IEC 61131-9. However, this doesn’t explain what IO-Link offers to engineers, or the advantages of Contrinex’s consistent approach, where it offers common functionality across a vast array of sensors.

Contrinex has the largest selection of IO-Link sensors in the World, including it free of charge in most of its PNP sensors. Through IO-Link, it provides consistent and simple configuration across its inductive and photoelectric sensors and offers a family of IO-Link RFID modules. Contrinex also offers SMART inductive and photoelectric sensors, which incorporate a microcontroller, which is configured over IO-Link.

The large scale of Contrinex’s IO-Link offer and its consistent implementation of IO-Link make its sensors ideal for industry 4.0, and Internet of Things applications, with the functionality being common across lots of sensing technologies.

CONTRINEX’S IO-LINK FUNCTIONALITY

Data monitoring – Inductive, Photoelectric and RFID sensors

The sensor’s switching state is monitored continuously. This not only monitors the signal itself but also the state at 80% of the switching distance. Therefore, you can ensure that the sensor is not working at the limit of its specifications, to ensure robust and reliable switching.

Diagnosis – Inductive, Photoelectric and RFID sensors

The operating state of the sensor is checked. In case of an open circuit, under-voltage, LC oscillator failure or installation of the wrong sensor, information is provided directly through IO-Link to enable fast repair, maintenance and replacement.

Detection counter – Inductive and Photoelectric sensors

Detection events are counted. By registering the number of detections, it is possible to calculate the speed or number of parts. The counter can be reset using a unique IO-Link message.

Temperature – Inductive and Photoelectric sensors

The internal temperature of the sensor is measured continuously, which indicates the ambient temperature in the application. Moreover, the maximum temperature measured is saved for diagnosis and preventive maintenance purposes.

Switching timer – Inductive, Photoelectric and RFID sensors

The timing of output switching can be configured. Depending on the needs of an application, output switching can be delayed or the duration stretched through programming.

NO/ NC selection – Inductive and RFID sensors

The output switching mode can be selected as Normally-Open (NO) or Normally-Closed (NC). A single sensor type is configurable for the various needs of an application. This helps reduce the number of different sensor types required in stock.

Sensitivity and teach – Photoelectric and RFID sensors

The sensor’s sensitivity can be adjusted remotely by changing the threshold. Alternatively, the teach function can be used to adapt the threshold to the application. Calibrated sensing ranges ensure easy sensor replacement by uploading the existing sensitivity to the replacement sensor.

Light-ON/ Dark-ON selection – Photoelectric sensors

The output switching mode can be selected as Light-ON or Dark-ON. A single sensor type is configurable for the various needs of an application. This helps reduce the number of different sensor types required in stock.

Sensor mode – Photoelectric and RFID sensors

Three different modes are selectable depending on the application needs: “Normal”, “Fast” and “Fine”. “Normal” mode is a good balance of speed and precision. In “Fast” mode, speed is higher and in “Fine” mode precision is higher.

Sequence selection – Photoelectric sensors

For cross-talk immunity with through-beam photoelectric sensors, up to nine different emitting sequences can be selected to pair the emitter with the receiver.

MONITOR AND CONFIGURE ANY BRAND OF IO-LINK SENSOR WITH THE POCKETCODR MODULE & AND APP

The new PocketCodr sensor connection unit that connects via Bluetooth to a companion app on a phone or tablet, makes the monitoring and configuration of ANY BRAND of IO-Link sensor as simple as using a phone app.

Remove the need to use a PC or PLC, now you can configure and monitor any IO-Link sensor on your phone, you can share the sensor’s settings worldwide between PocketCodr users by sending a link in an email, text or message.

 

PRODUCT ADVANTAGES

  • Configure & Monitor any brand of IO-Link sensor on your phone
  • Program SMART & IO-Link sensors without the need for a PLC, PC or coding
  • Share configuration settings via email, text, etc.
  • Action widgets guide the configuration of Contrinex sensors
  • Simple & Fast Bluetooth connection, without the need for passwords
  • Sensor’s IODD file automatically loaded when publicly available
  • LED status indicators
  • Long-lasting Lithium rechargeable battery with USB-C charging
  • Download from the AppStore or Google Play

Click to download Contrinex’s Product Overview brochure to find out more.

Call 0121 58 222 58 or email Sales@PLUSAutomation.co.uk to discuss how PLUS Automation can help you #MakeSenseofSensors using Inductive, Machine Safety, Photoelectric, Pressure, Process, RFID and Ultrasonic sensors from CONTRINEX, ReeR & SATRON. Over 2,000 sensors are held in UK stock, and more stock is held in Europe or available with short manufacturing lead times.