The Mannheim-based specialists for automation and safety technology at Bihl+Wiedemann want to significantly simplify the connection of IO-Link devices to higher-level systems or a cloud using ASi-5 modules with integrated IO-Link master. According to the supplier, users will benefit most from the simplicity and cost-efficiency of the AS-Interface wiring system. For example, integrating 40 IO-Link devices via ASi not only saves over 40 percent in module costs and a good two-thirds in wiring costs compared to other fieldbus solutions, but also valuable resources in planning, installation, and commissioning.

In addition, the user-friendly ASIMON360 and ASi Control Tools360 software suites make it easy to configure even a large number of IO-Link devices. And don't forget: Thanks to integrated IT interfaces such as OPC UA or REST API, the increasingly important additional information – whether from a single or several hundred IO-Link devices or ASi participants – is available in an uncomplicated, bundled form and without burdening the control system, under just one node – the gateway.

With the new OPC UA object tree, which can be individually configured via ASIMON360 or ASi Control Tools360, it is also possible to define which information the OPC UA client should receive and which it should not. To do this, the desired nodes are simply selected with a mouse click and then stored in the gateway during commissioning, where the tree can then be used via any OPC UA client. With its solution, Bihl+Wiedemann offers a cost-effective, flexible, and future-proof connection for IO-Link devices. This greatly simplifies the seamless exchange of information between the IO-Link device level and higher-level systems – an essential factor for modern automation and networking in Industry 4.0 applications.

Video