IO-Link Hubs

Posted on Friday Sep 06, 2019 at 08:40AM

Topic: Rockwell Automation

Why use an IO-Link Hub from Rockwell Automation

IO-Link Technology is a worldwide open-standard protocol that integrates sensors into Rockwell Automation’s Connected Enterprise by connecting the IO-Link enabled device into an IO-Link master module. You can deliver data from sensors directly into a control system in a very efficient manner. The flexibility of IO-Link capable sensors allows machines to operate more effectively by providing the controller with diagnostics.

Rockwell Automation IO LInks data types

IO Link Hub by Rockwell Automation

IO-Link enabled sensors offer advanced features and diagnostics that can only be accessed through an IO-Link master module. These sensors act like standard sensors when not interfaced to an IO-Link enabled control system. This enables the stocking of the same sensors for standard I/O (SIO) applications and IO-Link applications, simplifying the selection process and reducing stocking costs.

https://ab.rockwellautomation.com/allenbradley/networks/io-link.page

When using IO-Link sensors, one gains the ability to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot smart sensors with Rockwell′s Studio 5000 programming software over Ethernet/IP. This functionality enables smarter machines by providing additional diagnostic information and more flexibility. Sensor configuration can be modified during product changeovers, and when a smart sensor is damaged, simply replace the sensor. The Logix control system will send the proper configuration to the new sensor. This eliminates the need for manual setup and making it easier to maintain machines. Utilizing IO-Link equates to more uptime and a more productive machine.

Sensors can be connected to an IO-Link system via an IO-Link Master (ArmorBlock® 1732E-8IOLM12R), as stated above, both standard sensors and IO-Link sensors can be connected. Multiple IO-Link Masters can be added as the I/O count increases.

But what if you are using more standard sensors than IO-Link capable sensors? When the I/O count increases, and you don′t need the extra sensor data and diagnostic information, the cost per point increases. And if several non-IO-Link sensors are connected to standard ArmorBlocks, even more cost is added.

What can be done to take advantage of what IO-Link technology has to offer, and at the same time reduce different technical solutions and costs?

The answer is IO-Link hubs from Rockwell Automation.

Allen Bradley IO Link Hubs

Rockwell Automation has three on-machine IO-Link hubs to give you the ability to connect more standard (non-IO-Link) I/O to your IO-Link system, without requiring separate ArmorBlocks. Now you can connect sixteen standard sensors to one IO-Link hub (does not provide IO-Link features) and uses only one IO-Link channel on the IO-Link master! If you need more than sixteen standard sensors, simply add another IO-Link hub to the next available IO-Link channel. The 1732E-8IOLM12R can connect to a maximum of eight separate hubs as needed!

There are three different ArmorBlock® IO-Link hubs to choose from:

1732IL-10X6M12 24V DC, 10 digital inputs and 6 digital outputs
1732IL-16CFGM12M12L 24V DC, 16 self-configurable inputs or outputs
1732IL-IB16M12 24V DC, 16 digital inputs

Refer to the Selection Guide, 732-SG001

Each ArmorBlock® IO-Link hub from Rockwell Automation is a fully sealed cast Nickel plated zinc die-cast package for demanding industrial environments. Each hub uses standard M12 connectors for easy cable selection.

Rockwell’s ArmorBlock® IO-Link hubs offer outstanding diagnostics including connection status, low sensor power, low actuator power, short circuits, invalid data, etc. And advantage over standard ArmorBlocks®. These diagnostics provide faster commissioning for the machine builder and quicker troubleshooting for the machine owner.

Lastly, ArmorBlock® IO-Link hubs are more cost effective than a standard ArmorBlocks® on Ethernet/IP. The price for a 16-point input hub is approximately $250 less than a comparable ArmorBlock® with 16 inputs. For machine applications requiring IO-Link and standard sensors, the IO-Link hubs from Rockwell provide outstanding value.

Rockwell Automation IO Link Hubs Overview