New: Balluff IO Link Master for EtherCAT and DeviceNet

Dramatic Cost Savings with IO Link

Balluff: Sensor specialists and networking supplier Balluff presents its IO Link Master modules for DeviceNet and EtherCAT. They are ideal solutions to implement decentralized automation concepts without control cabinet in IP 67 with M12 connectivity.

The new modules measure 225 x 68 x 36.9 mm and offer full IO link functionality, like all Balluff master modules. Compared with conventional installation systems, they have an enormous cost saving potential.

For example, up to 72 digital IOs (or even 136 IOs with EtherCAT) can now be docked to the new DeviceNet module via IO link. For users, this means a dramatic installation advantage. They save over 50% hardware costs and just as much for wiring and connector costs. So interface diversity is now a topic that is relegated to the past.

The IO link ports on either module - on the DeviceNet there are four - and the EtherCat even has eight (!) IO link ports - can connect digital and intelligent complex equipment. This is typical for IO links. It does not matter whether the application is RFID, distance measurement, pressure or distance sensors, color recognition, or ultrasound sensors. The special highlight: Each of these devices is connected via the IO link ports over the same interface and, in particular, with the same 3-wire sensor cable. Never again are shielded cables required or expensive analog cards to higher-level control units. Analog signals are now transmitted reliably and interference-free via the IO link ports of the DeviceNet or EtherCAT module. Finally, the signal arrives at the control unit in digital form with the IO link telegram, ready for further processing.

As all Ethernet-based modules, the EtherCAT module also provides an integrated Web server and an integrated display for fast diagnostics without any additional hardware or software. It is enough to start Internet Explorer and connect, and the module state is already dis-played.

The EtherCAT module is even easier to handle than the classic fieldbus. Addresses are allocated automatically without complicated switch configuration, or complex handling of MAC or IP addresses.

On the two modules, two bright, easily visible LEDs signal the operat-ing states to each M12 port (IO interface). Two fixing points, which are highly resistant to mechanical overtorquing, save time during installation.