ACW4/TCW4 I/O Link Series Absolute Modular Sensors

Sensata-BEI's IO-Link integration standardizes the sensors’ outputs so they can communicate in any IO-Link enabled fieldbus network, simplifying installation and replacement. The interface capability allows for sensor connection from an ERP down to the component level, enabling industry 4.0 and industrial internet of things (IIoT) environments.

Using IO-Link simplifies the need for designing custom IO boxes to translate various sensor outputs into the fieldbus standard for an application, saving space and development cost. With this standardized method of communication, the ACW4 and TCW4 sensors can provide digital, point-to-point signals that connect directly to any IO-Link Master. As IO-Link Masters are made with a variety of fieldbus interfaces, the existing fieldbus part of a system can remain the same. IO-Link also provides universal power supply capability, further simplifying the system’s design.

In addition to its compact size, the second generation of this product takes advantage of the IO-Link standard to enable user access to additional diagnostics data from the sensor. Users can now monitor parameters like internal temperature, running hours, voltage level, and synchronization to identify anomalous conditions.

This diagnostic data allows the operator to better understand the health of the sensor and arrange for planned maintenance, preventing costly downtime. The electronics are contained in an IP65 rated, over-molded plastic shell which keeps them environmentally sealed.