IO-Link connection units

Getting ready for tomorrow today. Industrial networks with integrated IO-Link are standard in the networked factory. IO-Link sensors can transfer more than just process data to the machine control. They can also communicate with a wide range of receivers and, in addition to process data, can also transmit device information. Ethernet-based IO modules with IO-Link technology enable a more flexible, more versatile, transparent, high-performance infrastructure. With the MD 7 IO-Link masters, comprehensive diagnostics and adaptation of the parameter settings is possible from the control level all the way to the field level, even to the cloud.

Overview

IO-Link master and hubs: the MD7 system

I/O modules with IO-Link interface for a wide range of automation tasks

At the core of adaptable, transparent, and powerful automation lies the MD7 system from Leuze. IO-Link sensors transmit not only process data, but also device information, diagnostic data, and event messages. Leuze's Ethernet-based I/O modules with IO-Link technology combine the data, and connect the individual machine modules to the control and superior systems. This makes the machinery modular.
The IO-Link masters, which work with a variety of protocols, enable sensors and actuators to be flexibly integrated into existing infrastructures with different fieldbus and control systems. Process and device information is reliably transmitted from the individual IO-Link devices to superior management systems or cloud applications. Leuze's IO-Link modules and any other connected sensors and actuators are centrally commissioned, parameterized, and diagnosed via a web browser. IO-Link hubs can be used to expand the system economically and as needed.

Advantages for you

Flexible integration in control and cloud
Flexible planning and reduced stocking costs: With PROFINET, Ethernet/IP*, and Modbus TCP, the IO-Link masters from Leuze support various protocols in a single device. Models with OPC UA are also available.
Reduced installation effort
Low wiring effort and short installation times: The L-coded M12 Power connector delivers more performance in a single cable. This enables longer module chains and fewer cables and power supply units within the machine.
High transparency
Easy access to diagnosis and configuration: The IO-Link master of the MD7 system comes with an integrated web server that enables remote parameterization and central monitoring of the connected sensors and actuators.
Integrated system
Save costs with predictive maintenance and straightforward retrofitting: IO-Link enables the transmission of the diagnostic data needed to plan maintenance activities. If a sensor is replaced, the master automatically uploads the parameterization to the new device.

Learn more about IO-Link

Highlights

Multi-protocol for standardized system design

IO-Link masters from Leuze are capable of working with different protocols. They support the Ethernet-based fieldbus protocols PROFINET and Ethernet/IP* for complex, real-time industrial communication, as well as Modbus TCP to connect to simpler PLCs, operating terminals, or SCADA systems. This means that the modules can be used with most popular controls. The level of standardization of the machine is increased, and the lower complexity results in reduced stocking costs and less complex maintenance.
Leuze is also offering a device model based on the OPC UA standard, which can be integrated directly into cloud-based systems. With its web-based configuration, it can also be operated as a standalone solution.

Easy wiring thanks to standard M12 Power connectors

The IO-Link modules from Leuze are powered via standard M12 Power connectors. Thanks to multi-protocol capability, a single device type can thus be used for Ethernet and PROFINET connection. This reduces the number of models needed and thus simplifies stocking.
With a maximum admissible current of up to 16 A, the L-coded M12 connectors also offer around 80% more power than 7/8" connectors. This means that many more modules can be daisy-chained without requiring any additional power. Fewer power supplies are needed and parallel wiring is reduced, so that even tight installation spaces can be exploited to the fullest extent.

Convenient configuration and diagnostic options

The MD7 system offers high data and process transparency. The masters offer a multitude of ways to retrieve diagnostic data and status information – either right on the device or via a web server. The integrated web server with IODD interpreter also allows for the IO-Link devices connected to be fully configured.
And with the Leuze Service Tool (available soon), we are offering another powerful software with the following functions (among others):

Device management: Find Leuze devices automatically in the network, display of device type and firmware version

Efficient network configuration, e.g., IP address assignment

Fast identification of individual devices in the network using the WINK function (flashing LED display)

Backup of device settings

System expertise from IO-Link experts

A coordinated system of IO-Link masters and sensors from Leuze increases the level of standardization of your machine. IO-Link hubs allow for a large number of digital sensors to be cost-effectively integrated into your system. As one of the founding members of the IO-Link consortium, Leuze has been actively involved in the further development of the open interface standard since 2002. This ensures that I/O modules with IO-Link technology from Leuze also communicate smoothly with components from other manufacturers, thus giving you a future-proof investment.

Technical properties

	MD 798i	MD 748i	MD 798i IO-Link	MD 742 IO hub M12	MD 742 IO hub M8
Interfaces	Multiprotocol: Ethernet IP*/PROFINET, Modbus	Ethernet IP*/PROFINET, Modbus, OPC UA	Multiprotocol: Ethernet IP*/PROFINET, Modbus, IO-Link 1.1	IO-Link 1.1	IO-Link 1.1
Features	16 digital PNP inputs	8x IO-Link pin 4 in IOL mode, 4x DIO + 8 SIO mode, 4x DO	8x IO-Link pin 4 in IOL mode, 4x DIO + 8 SIO mode, 4x DO	16 digital PNP inputs COM 2 / 38.4 kBit/s	8 digital PNP inputs COM 2 / 38.4 kBit/s
Dimensions	60.4 x 230.4 x 39 mm	65 x 210.4 x 30 mm	60.4 x 230.4 x 39 mm	54 x 150 x 27.4 mm	32 x 144.3 x 32 mm
Temperature range	-40 … 70° C	-25 … 60° C	-40 … 70° C	-40 … 70° C	-40 … 70° C
Degrees of protection	IP 65 / 67 / 69K	IP 65 /67	IP 65 / 67 / 69K	IP 65 / 67 / 69K	IP 65 / 67 / 69K

Frequently asked questions about I/O modules with IO-Link interface

Fundamentals
IO-Link technology

IO-Link is a standardized I/O technology (IEC 61131-9) for establishing powerful point-to-point communication with sensors and actuators, without requiring any addressing. IO-Link components from companies that are part of the IO-Link consortium are compatible with each other.

IO-Link masters from Leuze are used to easily and decentrally integrate digital sensors and actuators into the control. The I/O module from Leuze offers multifunctional connections. This means, for example, that a port can be defined as a digital input, digital output, or as an IO-Link port.

The main extensions of version 1.1 are:

Data backup of the device parameters
Data transfer rate 230.4 kBaud mandatory for IO-Link masters
Increased process data width per port up to 32 bytes

IO-Link masters from Leuze meet the IO-Link standard in accordance with V1.1. IO-Link masters in accordance with V1.1 work with IO-Link devices based on V1.0 and V1.1. The new functions in V 1.1 (data backup function and data transmission rate of 230.4 kBaud) can only be used if they are also supported by the IO-Link device used.

Connection technology

Yes, up to 4x A-ports and 4x B-ports with up to 2 A are supported.

IP65, IP67 and IP69K are offered with the over-molded versions. Ready-made connectors achieve IP67.

No, M12 L-coded is used unshielded. Standard cables can be used.

Yes, there are short interconnection cables.

Processing of analog signals

The IO-Link master from Leuze does not support analog signals at this time. However, there are IO-Link converters with which analog sensors can be connected to the IO-Link master. If analog sensors are also replaced by IO-Link sensors, analog to digital conversion is no longer necessary and accuracy is increased.

Standalone analog modules are currently not in our plans for future products. IO-Link masters offer much higher multi-functionality. In combination with analog converters, analog signals such as voltage, current or temperature can also be recorded with just one master.

Device description file, E-Plan macros, and approvals

No, there are no special device description files for multi-protocol devices. The module automatically detects the control used and adapts to the protocol used. As with devices without multi-protocol capability, the master then requires the GSDML file for PROFINET or EDS file for Ethernet/IP.

Yes, EPLAN macros are available in the EPLAN portal. You can also download these on the Leuze website for the respective product under the "Downloads" tab.

The IO-Link masters and IO-Link hubs of the MD7 system are CE-compliant and UL approved.

Communication protocols

The devices can be used in the following three Ethernet protocols: Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP* and PROFINET. With automatic protocol detection, the multi-protocol device can be operated on all three Ethernet systems without requiring any user intervention (i.e., no reprogramming). If necessary, the user can also select the protocol manually.

The devices support PROFINET specification V 2.35. The conformance class is B (RT, real time). IRT (Isochronous Real Time) is not supported at this time.

Please contact our IO-Link experts with your questions about the Leuze roadmap and your suggestions. Contact us now

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