Posted to News on 7th Jul 2021, 09:00
All the right links for sensors and actuators
Optimising ways to add digital inputs and outputs to IO-Link systems
With the new extension modules in the AL2xxx range from ifm electronic, digital inputs and outputs can be added to IO-Link systems easily and inexpensively, says the company.
“Ideally suited for applications in decentralised control systems where they greatly reduce the amount of field wiring needed, the new modules are designed for use with conventional sensors and low-power actuators. As an added benefit, the input modules feature integrated user-configurable filters which, in many cases, further simplify control system design.”
Maximum flexibility
To provide maximum flexibility, the range includes modules with either six or 10 M12 ports, with each port capable of supporting two digital inputs or outputs. Additionally, all modules are offered in coolant-resistant versions, which are colour coded orange and are suitable for general industrial applications. Hygienic versions, which are colour coded grey, are intended for use in food manufacturing and similar applications.
Input modules in the AL2xxx range offer pre-processing of input signals before they are passed to the IO-Link system using filters that include debouncing, stretching and inverting. “By using these filters, signals with a minimum duration of 1.5 ms can be reliably detected,” adds ifm electronic. “Output modules can be fed from two independent electrically isolated voltage sources, with half of the ports powered from each source. The maximum load for each voltage source is 1.8 A.”
Protection ratings
Coolant-resistant AL2xxx IO-Link extension modules have an IP67 ingress protection rating, while hygienic versions are rated IP68/IP69K. Available accessories include pre-terminated connecting cables, IO-Link masters with fieldbus interfaces, and a USB IO-Link master for parameter setting and fault diagnosis.
