IO-Link is needed to smarten everything from sensors to higher-level systems.
Maxim lowers supply current to support communication with only 50% power

A factory equipped with technology that predicts and improves inefficiencies through the exchange of information between manufacturing facilities via the Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors is called a smart factory. Since the core of this involves the exchange of information between end-use sensors and equipment, 'connectivity' is of the utmost importance.

Generally, sensors used in factories were unidirectional, transmitting data in an analog form. Consequently, even if a single sensor failed, the failure could only be detected when a problem arose throughout the entire process. IO-Link is gaining attention as a solution to this problem.

IO-Link is an industry standard technology (IEC 61131-9) that defines how sensors and actuators in industrial systems should interact with controllers as an interface solution. IO-Link systems were developed to interact with industry-standard 3-wire sensor and actuator infrastructure and consist of 'IO-Link Master' and 'IO-Link Device' products.

IO-Link's bidirectional protocol allows sensor parameters to be easily updated in the factory. This eliminates the need to visit the site to reprogram each sensor. Two-way communication provides real-time information on cable breakage, overheating conditions, output short circuits, diagnostics, and even sensor lifespan.

The IO-Link point-to-point communication protocol can be up to 32 bytes depending on the required cycle time. Additionally, the IO-Link master can store sensor and timing parameters, allowing it to automatically download parameters to new sensors.

Maxim Integrated has the MAX14189, which lowers on-resistance and supply current and optimizes the current limiter architecture to emit 50% less heat than other IO-Link master solutions.

Fanless programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and IO-Link gateway systems consume a significant amount of power depending on the IO configuration, such as IO-Link digital input/output and analog input/output. PLCs must achieve smart, fast, and low-power operation while complying with IO-Link and standard IO (SIO) compliance. The MAX14189’s reverse voltage/current protection complies with IO-Link and SIO compliance and supports NPN type sensors.

The L+ power supply controller allows for current limiting and features voltage and current protection to support application communication at the lowest power. The integrated Framer/Universal Asynchronous Transmitter/Receiver (UART) maximizes scalability with just a single microcontroller (MCU). It can provide up to 400 microsecond cycles, reduce latency, and eliminate the dependency of the UART on the MCU, thereby minimizing component costs.

Timothy Leung, Senior Business Manager for Industry and Healthcare at Maxim Integrated, stated, “As a member of the IO-Link Consortium, Maxim plans to provide high-performance, ultra-low-power solutions for the industrial market through IO-Link transceivers. The MAX14819 enhances IO-Link technology to create a flexible manufacturing environment and improves both factory output and operational efficiency.”