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
- Reliable
- Deterministic
- Fast
- Coexistence
- Scalable
- Industrial
IO-Link Cable Grade Reliability Without the Wires
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 Technology Performance – Wirelessly
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
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
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
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
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.
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.