1. Components
1.1. IO-Link Master
An IO-Link master serves as a crucial element in industrial automation, facilitating the connection and management of communication between sensors or actuators equipped with IO-Link technology and a higher-level control system, such as a PLC or PC.
1.2. IO-Link Adapter
The IO-Link adapter plays a pivotal role in industrial settings by enabling the seamless conversion between various communication protocols, ensuring smooth interoperability between different devices.
1.3. Rheonics SME
The SME-DRM is an ultra-fast and robust electronics combined with comprehensive computational models, suitable for mounting on DIN rails and inside cabinets. Powered by 24Volts, the Rheonics SME-DRM is equipped with an Ethernet port, SD card slot, Modbus RTU RS-485 port, and 3 channels for 4-20 mA Analog outputs.
1.4. SM 1278
The SM 1278 module enables data exchange with up to 4 external IO-Link devices via one 3-wire cable each or four standard actuators/standard sensors. Comprehensive parameterization options make it possible to adapt the controller flexibly to the communication partner. Thanks to the compatibility of IO-Link with standard sensors, commercially available sensors by IEC 61131 Type 1 can also be operated on the IO-Link master.
2. Hardware connection and block diagram
Connect the IO-Link adapter from the Rheonics sensor to an IO-Link Master device.
Wiring Diagram:
Figure 1. IO-Link Master SM 1278 with Rheonics sensor SME-DRM
1. Add the IO-Link master SM 1278 from the Hardware catalog in TIA PORTAL
2. This way a 4-port IO-Link device is added to the project, next we need to open the SIMATIC S7 PTC Tool.
3. A prompt message will appear to start the S7-PTC software.
Figure 4. Starting the S7-PTC
4. Download the IODD file for the IO-Link converter which can be found here https://www.bannerengineering.com/us/en/products/part.809836.html and import this file in S7-PCT.
Figure 5. Installing the IODD file.
5. Drag and drop the IO-link converter to the IO-Link Master.
Figure 6. Adding IO-Link converter for configuration
6. Go to the Addresses tab to verify which PLC address was assigned to the data in IO-Link.
Figure 7. IO-Link Master configuration in Ch1
7. Click the show addresses button to check the assigned address on the PLC
Figure 8. IO-Link Master mapping in S7-PTC
| Rheonics Data-Address | Parameter | PLC Address |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 15 Value | Parameter 4 Kinematic Viscosity-Status | %IW 8 |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 14 Value | %IW 10 | |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 13 Value | Parameter 4 Kinematic Viscosity | %IW 12 |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 12 Value | Parameter 2 Temperature Median -Status | %IW 14 |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 11 Value | %IW 16 | |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 10 Value | Parameter 2 Temperature Median | %IW 18 |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 09 Value | Parameter 13 Density Last Good - Status | %IW 20 |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 08 Value | %IW 22 | |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 07 Value | Parameter 13 Density Last Good | %IW 24 |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 06 Value | Parameter 12 Viscosity Last Good -Status | %IW 26 |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 05 Value | %IW 28 | |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 04 Value | Parameter 12 Viscosity Last Good | %IW 30 |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 03 Value | %IW 32 | |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 02 Value | Power Supply | %IW 34 |
| Process Data In - Read Set Register 01 Value | Sensor Status | %IW 36 |
8. The next step is to map all the variables to the PLC
Figure 9. Added tags for IO-Link communication
9. Finally, we convert the data to the correct format.
Figure 10. Data conversion for Rheonics sensor reading
