Networked production and control processes in complex machine environments are shaping the future of industrialization. Today, intelligent sensor systems enable dynamic, real-time optimized, and autonomously organized industrial processes. Our sensors collect actual operating data, convert it into digital data, and automatically provide it to the process control system.
IO-Link: Industry 4.0 for Everything
With the increasing success of IO-Link, it is not only being implemented in more and more applications—this manufacturer-independent communication technology also acts as an "enabling technology" for innovative sensor solutions, supporting data interoperability and data analysis required by Industry 4.0. In particular, switching devices and simple sensors will benefit from fast and cost-effective data connectivity.
The advantages of IO-Link are obvious. Through integration with existing wiring, even the smallest sensors can participate in Industry 4.0 solutions. Today, simple sensor systems can achieve the same effect as sophisticated sensor systems connected via bus: covering the status and parameters of the entire equipment system or factory. At the same time, IO-Link not only opens up reliable communication channels, but sensors using IO-Link can also connect to various existing networks.
Flexibility, transparency and cost reduction
Through existing connections, process data, parameter settings, and extended diagnostic data are integrated: sensors equipped with IO-Link interfaces provide a wealth of information in real time. Furthermore, it can receive new parameter sets within seconds—enabling flexible production encompassing single-piece batches. IO-Link provides uninterrupted digital data transmission, replacing traditional analog value transmission, offering significant advantages in electromagnetic compatibility, and allowing the use of unshielded standard cables, thereby reducing wiring costs.
IO-Link makes plug-and-play a reality: various parameter settings can be visualized during integration and initial commissioning, and optimized as needed. Multiple parameter sets stored in the automation system can also be loaded into the sensors in real time during operation. This allows for automatic remote parameter setting of sensors installed in inaccessible locations. Machines and systems with frequently changing product types will benefit first from this feature, enabling rapid retrofitting while ensuring process safety. Equipment replacement is also simplified: when a sensor fails, the last used dataset can be automatically transferred to a backup sensor via IO-Link.
Perfect Connectivity – Seamless Integration with IO-Link Product Series
SICK's IO-Link Master connects smart sensors and actuators to the control layer. Masters for PROFINET IO/RT, EtherCAT®, and EtherNet/IP™ are each equipped with eight multi-function IO-Link ports. Sensor parameter cloning allows you to save all important parameters using the SICK Memory Stick, facilitating device replacement.
By using SOPAS to visualize the SiLink2 host connection between the sensor and the PC, the visualization and parameterization functions of SOPAS and SOPASair can be utilized.
Seamless integration
SICK provides corresponding function blocks for various IO-Link sensors, enabling their integration into virtually all automation networks. Even the most sophisticated sensors can be handled with greater intelligence. Thanks to IO-Link, the W2 miniature photoelectric sensor features a reliable digital communication interface. Furthermore, models with intelligent functions are also available, independently implementing logic programming, internal counting, acceleration calculation, time measurement, and other customized functions, significantly reducing control layer programming work, lowering its processing speed requirements, and minimizing jitter.
Leveraging the SOPAS OPC server to integrate vertical interconnection and say goodbye to control systems
Especially when it comes to Industry 4.0, integration capabilities and data interaction have become key features of promising intelligent communication architectures. Therefore, SICK offers a variety of options to integrate SICK sensor process, status, and diagnostic information into visualization systems and automation networks. One such integration tool is the SOPAS OPC server.
OPC stands for Open Platform Communication, utilizing automation technology communication standards that are not limited by manufacturers. Field devices from different vendors can exchange data bidirectionally within the same network using Windows-based applications. "With the advent of Ethernet-based fieldbuses, the traditional automation pyramid is gradually disappearing, and transparent automation layers are gaining an advantage. Today, equipment manufacturers can choose to integrate equipment data into systems outside of their automation systems," said Peter Kamp, Head of Industrial Software at SICK R&D. "For example, sensors can be operated without a controller using an OPC server. Data is displayed and modified in a visualization system—without programming in the PLC. The SOPAS OPC server is an integration tool we offer to our customers that uses an Ethernet-based fieldbus, allowing distributed systems and applications to directly access SICK devices." The SOPAS OPC server also allows direct access from higher-level systems via an Ethernet-based network to SICK devices such as barcode scanners and camera systems, RFID readers, displacement measurement sensors and laser scanners, volume measurement systems, and ultrasonic gas flow meters, while simultaneously reading and even modifying device data.
SOPAS OPC Server: Standardized access to all SICK sensors
Combining common SOPAS ET software tools, all types of SICK devices can be uniformly parameterized, configured, monitored, and diagnosed via PC. SICK devices leverage the SOPAS OPC server for two key advantages: ease of operation and rapid debugging. "The SOPAS OPC server is used to exchange data between SICK devices and Windows-based applications through the all-in-one SOPAS platform, and it comes with an OPC client," explains Peter Kamp. "The server allows read and write access to device parameters, supports all specified and extended data types, such as device-specific raw image data or methods, and prepares for sensor data visualization in HMI and SCADA systems." The SOPAS OPC server currently uses the OPC DA V2.05a technical specification. Therefore, it is universally applicable to all Windows PC-based applications, regardless of industry or application.
(OPC servers allow read and write access to device parameters)
Direct connection to OPC client applications
As more and more information flows directly from automated systems into higher-level tools and applications, and with the trend towards Ethernet-based networking, communication is replacing controllers as the core of automation solutions. The SOPAS OPC server, capable of direct vertical connection to OPC client applications, forms the foundation for the successful implementation of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Founded in 1946, SICK has become a highly influential supplier of intelligent sensor solutions after years of development and accumulation. Its products are widely used in various industries, including packaging, food and beverage, machine tools, automotive, logistics, transportation, steel, airports, electronics, and textiles. SICK China currently has branches in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Qingdao, and Hong Kong, forming an organizational structure and business network covering all major regions of China.
For more details, please visit www.sickcn.com or call our national customer service hotline at 4000 121 000.
