- The host controller can cyclically read control signals, status*1, wiring, and power supply status of IO-Link sensors. Because an IO-Link System can cyclically read analog data such as the amount of incident light in addition to ON/OFF information, it can be used for predictive maintenance based on detection of such things as decreases in the amount of light.
- User-specified data in IO-Link devices can be read and written from the host controller when necessary.
- Digital signals can be input rapidly from IO-Link sensors*2 during IO-Link communications.
- IO-Link sensors can be combined with non-IO-Link sensors.
- Incorrect connections of IO-Link sensors can be checked when IO-Link communications start.
- Backup and restoration of IO-Link device parameters make replacement of IO-Link sensors easier.
- IO-Link sensors can be easily replaced with non-IO-Link sensors without changing the data address settings.*3
- Sensors can report their errors to the master, which facilitates locating errors from the host.
- The total number of retries in cyclic communications can be recorded. You can use this value to check for the influences of noise and other problems