IO-Link Wireless technology provides a reliability performance level of 1e-9 Packet Error Rate (PER). In comparison, wireless standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee demonstrate a PER of 1e-3, which is 6 orders of magnitude (a million times) less reliable. This is achieved by a repetition mechanism that is used for critical data in IO-Link Wireless.
To ensure low latency, this mechanism is implemented automatically and is controlled by the physical layer of the radio. IO-Link Wireless also uses the Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying (GFSK) modulation, which is an extremely robust modulation for dealing with interferences and noise.
IO-Link Wireless Technology
Wireless Communication on the Factory Floor
IO-Link Wireless: Enabling Machines & Production Lines to Do More
IO-Link Wireless was developed as a global wireless communication standard designed to replace cables in remote sensor and actuator control and monitoring for factory automation. Based on the IO-Link IEC 61131-9 standard, it is a system extension to the already established IO-Link technology.
High Performance Industrial-Grade IO-Link Wireless Communication
IO-Link Cable Grade Reliability Without the Wires
IO-Link Technology Performance – Wirelessly
IO-Link Wireless was designed as a deterministic protocol with a guarantee that each data packet is delivered within a bounded delay. The structure of the IO-Link Wireless cycle is strictly defined, with a limitation on the maximum number of wireless devices per IO-Link Wireless Master.
Critical data is transmitted periodically in a deterministic manner. The deterministic attributes of IO-Link Wireless ensure the predictable properties of the network and enable algorithms that cannot be similarly applied with non-deterministic protocols such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Critical data is transmitted periodically in a deterministic manner. The deterministic attributes of IO-Link Wireless ensure the predictable properties of the network and enable algorithms that cannot be similarly applied with non-deterministic protocols such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Low Latency Industrial Wireless Connectivity
IO-Link Wireless provides a deterministic low latency of 5msec with 40 nodes (sensors, actuators, or I/O hubs) per Wireless Master. Each IO-Link Wireless cycle of 5msec is comprised of 3 sub-cycles each with a duration of 1.6msec. Each sub-cycle is transmitted on a different frequency.
The sub-cycles include a downlink portion which is broadcasted by the wireless master to all wireless devices on each track, and an uplink portion which is a single-cast time-multiplexing message sent to the master from the devices according to a predefined timeslot.
The sub-cycles include a downlink portion which is broadcasted by the wireless master to all wireless devices on each track, and an uplink portion which is a single-cast time-multiplexing message sent to the master from the devices according to a predefined timeslot.
Uninterrupted Communication Alongside Other Technologies
IO-Link Wireless is designed to coexist with other wireless networks and interferers through mechanisms such as blacklisting and adaptive frequency hopping. Blacklisting is a mechanism designed to avoid potential air collisions with other wireless systems such as Wi-Fi.
Frequency hopping is used to ensure adequate performance for an IO-Link Wireless system components and to reduce the impact of interferences. Frequency hopping alternates frequency channels for each transmission as a measure against interference, resulting in a PER of 1e-9 which is on par with wired connections.
Frequency hopping is used to ensure adequate performance for an IO-Link Wireless system components and to reduce the impact of interferences. Frequency hopping alternates frequency channels for each transmission as a measure against interference, resulting in a PER of 1e-9 which is on par with wired connections.
Easy & Quick Expansion Per Need
IO-Link Wireless is designed to support a large number of devices while still maintaining the required low latency and high reliability. A single IO-Link Wireless Master can support up to 40 IO-Link Wireless Devices divided into 5 tracks. Each track in a Wireless Master can support up to 8 IO-Link Wireless Devices.
All tracks of a Wireless Master communicate at the same time on different frequencies, providing an optimal medium utilization. An IO-Link Wireless Cell can support up to 3 Masters with 120 IO-Link Wireless Devices.
All tracks of a Wireless Master communicate at the same time on different frequencies, providing an optimal medium utilization. An IO-Link Wireless Cell can support up to 3 Masters with 120 IO-Link Wireless Devices.
Designed Specifically for Industrial Environments
IO-Link Wireless is a global mission critical wireless communication standard designed for factory automation based on the IO-Link IEC 61131-9 standard, and defined as a system extension to the already established base technology of IO-Link. It is a communication technology intended to replace the cables for remote sensor/actuator control and monitoring in factory automation.
The key features of IO-Link Wireless technology are high reliability, low latency, scalability, deterministic communication, capability of dealing with a high density of clients, and robustness.
The key features of IO-Link Wireless technology are high reliability, low latency, scalability, deterministic communication, capability of dealing with a high density of clients, and robustness.
IO-Link Wireless Products
Starter Kits
IO-Link Wireless Starter Kits
Industrial Wireless Masters & Gateways
IO-Link Wireless Masters & Gateways
Industrial Wireless Devices
IO-Link Wireless Devices
Software
IO-Link Wireless/Machine Optimization Software
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IO-Link?
IO-Link stands as the standardized IO technology (IEC 61131-9) designed for bidirectional seamless communication for both control and monitoring. It is a robust point-to-point communication that relies on a 3-wire sensor and actuator connection, eliminating the need for additional cable material. IO-Link is distinct from Fieldbus as it represents a progressive advancement of the reliable and proven connection technology used in the realm of sensors and actuators.
How does IO-Link Wireless work?
The IO-Link Wireless system includes a central device known as the IO-Link Wireless Master or IO-Link Wireless Gateway. These serve as coordinators for wireless communication within the network. They communicate wirelessly with IO-Link Wireless devices (sensors and actuators) and, in turn, interface with the automation control system or PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) using a wired connection, via protocols such as OPC UA, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, or PROFINET. IO-Link Wireless-enabled sensors and actuators function similarly to their wired counterparts, using wireless communication to connect to the IO-Link Wireless Master/Gateway instead of wired connections.
What is the frequency of IO-Link Wireless?
IO-Link Wireless utilizes radio frequency (RF) technology to establish communication between IO-Link Wireless devices. It operates in the industrial, scientific, and medical wireless free frequency band of 2.4 GHz.
IO-Link Wireless Use Cases & Applications
CoreTigo’s solution addresses a variety of industries, such as automotive, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, metalworks, and more. These solutions drive operational efficiency, production optimization, higher availability, and greater intelligence to manage the business.