Hilscher, a leading technology and solution provider in industrial communication, has recently announced the release of its latest IO-Link master devices, the sensorEDGE FIELD and the sensorEDGE. These devices are designed to help end users integrate IO-Link sensors into an Ethernet-based IT infrastructure, enabling Industry 4.0 applications at the edge of the physical factory floor.
What is IO-Link?
IO-Link is a point-to-point communication protocol that allows bi-directional data exchange between sensors and actuators and a higher-level controller, such as a PLC. IO-Link devices can be connected to an IO-Link master, which acts as a gateway to the automation system. IO-Link supports various fieldbus and Ethernet protocols, such as Profinet, Profibus, and Modbus.
IO-Link offers several benefits for industrial automation, such as:
- Simplified wiring and installation, as only a standard 3-wire cable is required for each device
- Enhanced diagnostics and parameterization, as IO-Link devices can provide status, error, and configuration information to the controller
- Increased flexibility and scalability, as IO-Link devices can be easily replaced, added, or removed without affecting the network topology
- Improved performance and efficiency, as IO-Link devices can support dynamic data exchange and adaptive control
What are the sensorEDGE FIELD and the sensorEDGE?
The sensorEDGE FIELD and the sensorEDGE are two new IO-Link master devices from Hilscher that aim to provide a seamless connection between IO-Link sensors and the cloud. Both devices can connect up to eight IO-Link devices and one Ethernet uplink port in their IP67-rated housing. They can also aggregate and process the data from the sensors and make it available as MQTT messages, a standard messaging protocol for IIoT systems.
The main difference between the two devices is that the sensorEDGE FIELD features a secure application system and is encapsulated via container technology, which allows the user to run custom applications on the device. The sensorEDGE FIELD also has an edge computing system that enables the device to function independently of a separate control system and to detect sensors automatically. The sensorEDGE, on the other hand, is a more simplified device that provides users with legacy equipment an option to upload data directly to the cloud at minimum intervals.
| Feature | sensorEDGE FIELD | sensorEDGE |
|---|---|---|
| IO-Link ports | 8 | 8 |
| Ethernet uplink port | 1 | 1 |
| Housing | IP67 | IP67 |
| Operating system | Linux | – |
| Container technology | Yes | No |
| Edge computing system | Yes | No |
| MQTT broker | Yes | No |
| Automatic sensor detection | Yes | No |
| Data upload interval | Configurable | 1 second |
How can the sensorEDGE FIELD and the sensorEDGE benefit industrial automation?
The sensorEDGE FIELD and the sensorEDGE are innovative solutions that can help industrial users to leverage the potential of IO-Link and cloud technologies. By connecting IO-Link sensors to the cloud, users can access real-time data and insights from their machines and processes, enabling them to optimize performance, quality, and efficiency. Moreover, by using the sensorEDGE FIELD, users can also run custom applications on the device, such as analytics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence, to enhance their decision making and automation capabilities.
The sensorEDGE FIELD and the sensorEDGE are compatible with both legacy and new smart sensors, making them suitable for various industrial applications, such as:
- Condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, as IO-Link sensors can provide detailed information about the status and health of the machines and components
- Energy management and optimization, as IO-Link sensors can measure and control the energy consumption and efficiency of the machines and processes
- Asset tracking and inventory management, as IO-Link sensors can identify and locate the assets and materials in the production line
- Quality control and assurance, as IO-Link sensors can monitor and verify the quality and accuracy of the products and processes
