In so-called intelligent sensors IO-Link stands for standardizing, convenient parameter setting and consistent diagnostics con-cepts. But what about the far greater number of simple switching sensors for which IO-Link makes no economic sense. As a sensor and connectivity provider, Balluff concentrates uniform solutions and will be introducing four variants of digital sensor hubs at the Hanover Exhibition 2007. These collect the signals from standard sensors and make them available to the machine controller via IO-Link using a simple 3-conductor cable. The result: a radical simpli-fication of installation as well as trim machine designs. Which is especially advantageous when in addition drag chain capability is required.
The collection and transmission of various signals to the controller level used to require the use of a cable bundle as thick as your arm. Starting now the sensor hubs from Balluff offer a variety of typical IO-Link benefits especially for non-IO-Link capable sensors. The newly devel-oped collectors for simple binary switching signals permit bundling of 8 or 16 inputs to a single IO-Link input port. Instead of a multi-conductor cable, transmission is typical IO-Link with a simple 3-conductor standard cable.
The installation effort and expense are greatly reduced compared with conventional approaches. Tedious stripping of up to 20 individual leads is eliminated, mistakes from crossed connections and the resulting trou-bleshooting are all a thing of the past. One hub model offers 8 ports which are dual-use (Pins 2 and 4) and permit optional connection of 16 standard, 8 push-pull or DESINA sensors. Another variant offers 4 analog ports as well as 4 dual-use ports. The next logical development step has already been taken, since 4 of the 8 ports may also be analog. The unique feature: This sensor hub can be parameterized via IO-Link so that either the digitized analog value is sent to the controller or a configurable switching point evaluation is already done in the sensor hub.
Hall 9, stand F 53
The collection and transmission of various signals to the controller level used to require the use of a cable bundle as thick as your arm. Starting now the sensor hubs from Balluff offer a variety of typical IO-Link benefits especially for non-IO-Link capable sensors. The newly devel-oped collectors for simple binary switching signals permit bundling of 8 or 16 inputs to a single IO-Link input port. Instead of a multi-conductor cable, transmission is typical IO-Link with a simple 3-conductor standard cable.
The installation effort and expense are greatly reduced compared with conventional approaches. Tedious stripping of up to 20 individual leads is eliminated, mistakes from crossed connections and the resulting trou-bleshooting are all a thing of the past. One hub model offers 8 ports which are dual-use (Pins 2 and 4) and permit optional connection of 16 standard, 8 push-pull or DESINA sensors. Another variant offers 4 analog ports as well as 4 dual-use ports. The next logical development step has already been taken, since 4 of the 8 ports may also be analog. The unique feature: This sensor hub can be parameterized via IO-Link so that either the digitized analog value is sent to the controller or a configurable switching point evaluation is already done in the sensor hub.
Hall 9, stand F 53
