Alicat adds IO-Link to it's devices

Available today IO-Link across multiple Alicat devices!

The open standard as per IEC 61131-9 adds “plug-n-play” compatibility for Alicat devices within existing IO-Link systems and machinery. This removes protocol barriers and allows fast device configuration and commissioning.

What is IO-Link?

IO-Link is a serial, bi-directional point-to-point connection for signal (data) transmission and energy supply under any networks, fieldbuses, or backplane buses.

An IO-Link system has the following components:

• IO-Link master
• IO-Link devices (sensors, valves, IO modules, etc.)
• Unshielded 3-, 4- or 5-conductor standard cables
• Engineering tool (software) for configuring and assigning parameters of IO-Link

What makes IO-Link different?

1. IO-Link is 24 VDC, traditional serial uses 5 VDC. This makes in “noise-immune”
2. It can use standard off-the-shelf M12 cables, non-shielded

Advantages of having IO-Link on your Alicat device

• Mass Flow Controllers (MFC’s) can be controlled with IO-Link
• Alicat MFCs offer the auto-tune feature, reducing and eliminating PID control in your process
• Mass Flow Meters (MFM’s) offer response times from 10 millisecond (ms) allowing ultra-fast flow response on your IO-Link system

Which Alicat devices can IO-Link be added to?

• Mass Flow Meters include: M/MW/MQ/MS Series
• Mass Flow Controllers include: MC/MCW/MCR/Bio/MCQ/MCS/MCV/SFF/MCS/MCE Series
• Liquid Flow Meters include: L Series
• Liquid Flow Controllers include: LC/LCR Series
• Pressure Transducers include: P/PS Series
• Pressure Controllers include: PC/PCD/PCS/EPC/EPCD/PCR Series

Typical industries where Alicat and IO-Link are ideal

• Assembly line automation
• Intralogistics
• Machine tools
• Packaging
• Automotive industry
• Discrete manufacturing industries

In summary

IO-Link is making factory automation simpler from the installation, to the maintenance of the factory. IO-Link maybe ordered as an optional protocol on your Alicat device. The inter-operability of the standard allows an existing device to be replaced with an Alicat flow or pressure meter or controller. Replacing an aged flow or pressure device on your IO-Link system with an Alicat device could offer you improved response, accuracy, repeatability or turn-down in your process.

Talk to PCT today to discuss your application or process in more detail to see where we can offer process improvements.