IO-Link master.

Siemens has developed a new IO-Link master for its Simatic S7-1200 controller, based on the current IO-Link specification V1.1. The IO-Link master is a module of the S7-1200 controller and connects field devices to the controller via IO-Link.

The field device parameters are automatically backed up in the controller. If the field device has to be replaced, all the parameters are automatically transferred to the new component, so the user does not need to back up the data. The new IO-Link master supports the rapid COM3 mode, provided as an option in the standard device, for short response times or for handling extensive data sets, as well as supporting devices with V1.0 IO-Link specifications.

Thanks to the industry-wide IO-Link standard, switching devices and sensors can be connected to the control level with a low-cost point-to-point link.