Companies face the major challenge of ensuring reliable communication within their systems. In recent years, IO-Link has increasingly established itself as an industrial communication solution for simultaneously transmitting multiple process values and parameters from a single device via an unshielded standard cable. It’s not just the IO-Link-capable sensors and actuators installed in the systems that play a role; the heart of the infrastructure is usually hidden at first glance: The IO-Link master is the central interface between the controller and the sensors in the field. With the new generation of its AL1602 IO-Link master from the AutomationLine, the automation company ifm now aims to take IO-Link integration to a new level of performance.

A New Generation of Decentralized Automation

With its black, glass-fiber-reinforced outer housing, the AL1602 IO-Link master represents a new generation of decentralized automation solutions. The master, featuring a multiprotocol interface, offers eight IO-Link ports (Class A/B) with a total of 16 flexibly configurable inputs and outputs. With a current-carrying capacity of up to two amps per output, it is particularly well-suited for high-power actuators such as those used in the logistics industry. The housing and the fully foam-encapsulated circuit board ensure high durability; neither condensation nor vibrations should pose a problem for the AL1602. With its IP67 protection rating and a temperature range of minus 40 to plus 70 degrees Celsius, the device is suitable even for use in harsh industrial environments. The new plastic ports offer higher clamping forces than the previous metal ports of the AL14 series. The common ground concept enables simple and flexible port configuration, allowing for compact and cost-efficient device operation. The integrated daisy-chain function allows for easy power supply to multiple IO-Link masters, thereby significantly reducing cabling effort.

Integrated Multiprotocol Interface

Of particular practical relevance is the integrated multiprotocol interface, which allows the IO-Link master to be easily integrated into various fieldbus architectures. Initially, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP are available. The interface supports the standardization frequently required by the industry in machine and plant engineering, reduces the variety of variants, and sustainably lowers engineering effort. The new AL1602, which is already available, can be seamlessly combined with the AL2821 input/output module to implement an IO-Link expansion, for example.

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