IFM Electronic AC5225, Original Device Manual

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ifm Device Manual AS-i IO-Link-Gateway (AC5225) Firmware V1.16 2017-11-20
System description What is IO-Link?
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3.2 What is IO-Link?
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 10
IO-Link system architecture ................................................................................................................. 11
IO-Link flow of information ................................................................................................................... 12
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www.io-link.com
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3.2.1 Introduction
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For fieldbuses one master communicates with several slaves which the master distinguishes on the
basis of the slave addresses. The sensors and actuators connected to the slaves perform either binary
or analogue operation. The slaves have to be equipped correspondingly. The parameters of the
sensors and actuators can be set during operation.
The IO-Link enables the operation of "smart" sensors and actuators on the existing fieldbus via special
modules. IO-Link sensors provide additional diagnostic information on a 3-pole standard cable besides
the normal switching output.
IO-Link is an open system: independent of the fieldbus and the manufacturer. The diagnostic interface
is supported by all leading bus systems.
Only the serial communication between the master and the slave are features both of the IO-Link and
the fieldbuses. Everything else is different:

There is no address setting since the data are only exchanged between two participants.

The IO-Link master communicates with the connected IO-Link device via a point-to-point
connection.

Remote parameter setting of the IO-Link device via the fieldbus is possible.
Advantages of the IO-Link system:

existing cable topology (here: standard AS-i cables) remains unchanged,

thanks to the point-to-point connection addressing of the devices is not necessary;

transmission of diagnostic data without additional wiring: exchange of process data and service
data between sensors / actuators and the controller,

transmission of analogue values without conversion losses,

fully compatible: Use in parallel to standard devices on the same bus.
Graphics: Typical signal curve for operation as IO-
Link (top) and as digitally-switching (bottom)
IO-Link communication by 24 V pulse
modulation, standard UART protocol