Everything over one cable

With their BAW M18 inductive distance sensor Balluff is introducing a core product from the range of available IO-Link components at the Hanover Exhibition 2007. Regardless of what kind of and how much intelligent IO-Link sensor needs to send: it only needs a 3-conductor standard cable connected to the IO-Link Master box. Since shielded cable, analog interface boxes and the often associated troubleshooting are eliminated, the installation process is simple and clear. The new world of IO-Link replaces the variety of interfaces through standardization, allows centralized and uncomplicated setting of parameters for actuators and sensors, and provides a continuous picture of the process level.

The question as to which side to connect the shield loses all meaning when using an IO-Link equipped BAW M18 inductive distance sensor. Shielded special cables are passé, since only standard sensor connecting cables are used. The old analog signal transmission is replaced by an IO-Link connection, with digitizing of the measured value performed in the sensor itself. Transmission per IO-Link virtually eliminates the problem of noise on an analog signal.

Whether the application is for counting and positioning, measuring thickness, or selecting by size and material: The IO-Link capable BAW M18 requires neither special cable, additional interface boxes nor expensive plug-in cards. The IO-Link transmission rate of 38.4 Kbaud typically allows updating of the measured value every 2 milliseconds. As a fixed component of the IO-Link system world, the sensor not only eliminates all the familiar transmission problems. It also reduces the effort and cost in cabling and the noise suppression measures otherwise required so often for analog signals.