System Overview - Siemens SIMATIC ET 200AL System Manual

System overview

2.1 System overview
Introduction
A continuous communication down to the lowest field level ensures enhanced use of the
functions and performance capability of sensors and actuators. Enhanced use of sensors and
actuators allows you to operate your machines and plants more productively.
No data other than the actual process value can be exchanged via the standard interfaces
(digital, analog) used at the sensor/actuator level. Sensors and actuators with integrated
intelligence are now used for increasingly complex functions and require a communication
interface tailored to these requirements.
Definition
IO-Link is an innovative, point-to-point communication interface for the sensor/actuator area
that is specified in IEC 61131-9.
IO-Link consists of the following system components:
• IO-Link master
• IO-Link device
• Unshielded 3-wire or 5-wire standard cable
• Engineering tool for configuring and assigning parameters of IO-Link
IO-Link I/O modules
System Manual, 10/2020, A5E48755395-AA
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