Balluff Simplifies Integration of Serial Devices with IO-Link

Balluff

June 22, 2018

A new IO-Link innovative solution effectively ends the trouble of integrating RS232 devices into the automation controls architecture. Designed by Balluff, the RS232 to IO-Link converter module reduces costs and simplifies the controls architecture by offering a unified solution throughout the plant floor.
  

By today’s standard, RS232-based devices are seemingly old fashioned, but barcode readers, printers, scanners, torque-guns, and many more devices still predominantly use RS232-data communication. Until now, integration of serial communication devices in a traditional automation arena has been labor intensive and costly. The introduction of the RS232-to-IO-Link interface module changes that.

“Balluff, as an IO-Link market leader, is focused on innovating the way we automate today. Balluff pioneered integration of RFID, functional safety, analog, and valve connectors over IO-Link and now we are simplifying integration of serial devices over IO-Link” said Tom Rosenberg, vice president of marketing and engineering at Balluff Inc. “We are tuned in to listen to our customers and this fulfills a need many of them have. We bring new innovative product ideas to life and we are thrilled about the potential of RS232 to IO-Link.”

The RS232 converter is designed for bi-directional communication, enabling an ease of communication over a wide variety of serial devices on the plant floor. Additionally, when using with a Balluff IO-Link master, power for the attached serial device is supplied through this connector, eliminating the need for separate power connection.

Balluff’s reputation for rugged industrial design is clearly evident with the stainless steel housing, IP67 ingress protection rating and M18-barrel-style inline design. The barrel design ensures the RS232 converter can be placed very close to the point of use and then utilize standard 3- or 4-pole sensor cable from this interface module to the IO-Link master. This unifies the communication from the controller to all automation devices and eases troubleshooting with onboard and diagnostics of Balluff IO-Link.

Related Articles


Changing Scene


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • Implementing Functional Safety Requirements

    Implementing Functional Safety Requirements

    The Safety Functional Requirements Specification (SFRS; sometimes referred to as SRS or Safety Requirements Specification) is the plan for the safety controls on a machine and is the second step of the safety lifecycle. The SFRS document serves as a framework for the safety control system design, is informed by prior work done in the… Read More…

  • From Endress+Hauser, 24/7 Digital, Plant-Wide Health Monitoring for Rockwell Systems Optimizes Workflows and Processes

    From Endress+Hauser, 24/7 Digital, Plant-Wide Health Monitoring for Rockwell Systems Optimizes Workflows and Processes

    Endress+Hauser’s Asset Health Monitoring Solution–Rockwell Edition, now available for installation, provides operators with a centralized, digital overview of plant-wide device health to avoid unscheduled shutdowns and accelerate troubleshooting. It not only presents early visibility of problematic devices but distinguishes itself by adding likely causes and remedies to such a report so problems can be fixed… Read More…