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IO-Link product development with a Future-Proof Roadmap: TEConcept Guides Your IO-Link Product Success from Concept to Deployment

We support you through every phase of IO-Link product development – from requirements to series release. Whether you want to extend an existing system with IO-Link or develop a completely new IO-Link product such as an IO-Link device or an IO-Link master, the interlocking IO-Link product cycle provides structure for your IO-Link product development from the first idea to a market-ready product. It encompasses requirements analysis, conception, development and implementation, testing and certification, market launch, and long-term support in the field. The individual phases typically consist of IO-Link-specific consulting, software development, hardware design, certification, and detailed documentation. This reduces development risk, shortens time-to-market, and ensures a stable, standard-compliant implementation — saving you time, cost, and unnecessary interfaces. In addition to our IO-Link knowledge transfer, your IO-Link product development can benefit from our IO-Link stacks, IO-Link developer kits, IO-Link development tools, and IO-Link diagnostics and test tools. In addition to our IO-Link knowledge transfer, your IO-Link product development can benefit from our IO-Link Stacks, IO-Link Developer Kits, IO-Link Development Tools, and IO-Link Diagnostic and Test Tools, as well as our experience with IO-Link Safety.
Idea & Concept Phase
Development phase
  • Stackintegration (Porting) for IO-Link-Master & IO-Link Devices
  • Electronics & Software Development
  • Application Development
  • Reference Designs
  • Test Concepts
Validation phase
Market launch
Field Operation

Concept, consulting, or complete implementation for your IO-Link product development?

Whether system, software, electronics, or assemblies – we support your IO-Link product development with technical depth and a holistic understanding of the process. Our development steps are modular, precise, and always tailored to your requirements.
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Our Development Steps – Targeted Support in Every Project Phase of IO-Link product development

Ready for your IO-Link product development?

TEConcept is your development partner for embedded systems, IO-Link devices & complex electronic solutions.

Analysis, strategy, specification

The idea and concept phase lays the foundation for successful IO-Link product development. Technical and economic requirements must be clarified, and available resources as well as existing know-how must be assessed, before proceeding with technical implementation and bringing your IO-Link product to market maturity.

Our IO-Link expert tips

With a solid roadmap right from the start, you can avoid costly and resource-intensive course corrections later on, reduce risks, and accelerate development. Based on our experience, you should pay particular attention to the following:

  • Involve all stakeholders (HW/SW developers, project and product managers, marketing) early on
  • Formulate all technical requirements for the IO-Link product in detail (must-haves and nice-to-haves)
  • Define the target vision and success criteria for the IO-Link product.
  • Create a time and resource plan
Our IO-Link support services for you
Are you planning to start a new IO-Link product or a major product iteration? We can support you in various areas!
  • Technology assessment – We help you identify the best technological foundation for your project. We compare IO-Link with alternative solutions and highlight the pros and cons.
  • Feasibility – We help you determine whether your requirements can be implemented with IO-Link, and support you in defining target criteria as well as creating a robust requirements specification for development and testing.
  • Project consulting – We support you in establishing a clear basis for quotations, budget planning, and management approval—helping you avoid scope creep and secure key decisions early.
  • Architecture review – We assess your proposed system architecture and hardware, review your planned interfaces and protocols, and support you in defining the technical requirements.
  • Rapid Prototyping – IO-Link Overnight Sample – With our prototyping service, you receive a working test device in a very short time—so you can evaluate your idea quickly and in a practical, real-world setup.
  • IO-Link Safety & EMC preparation - Standard-compliant protection for industrial use.
  • Have you become interested in our stack and would like to try it out? Our stack runs on various evaluation boards from our partners. Feel free to contact us to find out which one is best suited for you.
  • Would you like to test whether your planned IODD is feasible? With IODD Studio, IODD design is straightforward.
  • Do you have an idea for an IO-Link device and want to test it? With COD, your planned device can be tested directly using only an IODD, without developed hardware!

Start with a clear plan – for maximum efficiency in further development.

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Our services and key products

In the idea and concept phase, we lay the foundation for your IO-Link product development together – with clear concepts, hands-on testing, and personalized consulting, so your idea is set on a successful course right from the start.

Technology Training & Consulting

Our training and consulting services prepare your team for IO-Link, from the basics to specialized topics such as safety and standards. With the IO-Link Pathfinder, we help you find the right path to IO-Link product success!

IODD design & validation

We create and verify your IODD files to ensure your device's communication works flawlessly later on. With the COD (also available as a loan unit!), you can test IO-Link devices early on—even without finalized hardware—and validate your planned concept.

IO-Link Stack Evaluation

You can test our IO-Link stacks, for example, using our partners' developer kits. For master applications, the 1-Port Master Module and the 4-Port Master Module are available as building blocks with access to our IO-Link Master Stack.

FAQ

We can start even with rough ideas. However, existing specifications, sketches, or project experience accelerate the process.

The goal is an implementable foundation that your team can use directly – including concrete decisions, interfaces, and planning.

Yes, upon request we provide seamless support for prototyping, implementation, and test setup.

Hardware, software, architecture

In the development phase, the requirements defined in the idea and concept phase are systematically implemented. Architecture, interfaces, and quality goals are transferred into executable software, hardware-related functions, or overall systems. In the IO-Link context, this often includes the integration of a software stack for devices or masters. The goal is to create a clear basis for the validation phase.

Our IO-Link expert tips
  • Avoid technical overstrain and time pressure for your software and hardware developers due to a lack of IO-Link knowledge
  • Do not change the requirements specification without careful consideration, as this can lead, for example, to inconsistencies in the specification.
  • Regularly test the functionality of your development to avoid surprises during the certification test
  • For device developers: Be sure to check your IODD with the correct/latest version of the IODD Checker
Are you unable to make further progress with this development and would like experienced support?
  • Are you looking for the right software for IO-Link? Our IO-Link stacks for devices and masters give you full control through full access to the source code!
  • Do you need support with application development? Our engineers support you with both software and hardware.
  • You want easy access to the device you are developing: Our USB-C development master makes this very easy via computer using the Control Tool
  • Your application is not doing what it is supposed to, and you do not know why? We offer flexible support and help you identify the problem and find a solution.
  • Did you expect IO-Link integration to be easier and are you realizing that your IO-Link knowledge is reaching its limits? We provide IO-Link expertise to successfully further develop your product.
  • Is your team reaching its time limits? We can take over parts of your development work or provide you with suitable tools such as IODD Studio.
  • Are you unsure whether your product would pass the certification tests? Our experienced developers would be happy to take a look at your software!
  • Firmware & embedded systems - Development of microcontroller software and IO-Link stacks
  • Electronics design & layout - Creation of complex circuits, EMC-compliant PCB design.
  • Communication interfaces - Connection to existing systems and IO-Link compatibility.

Easy IO-Link entry – for example with IO-Link developer kits or our IO-Link Master modules.

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Our services and key products

We take over the complete system development for you or specifically individual parts of it – entirely according to your needs. In doing so, we bear responsibility for product success, work closely with you, and integrate seamlessly into your development environment. This ensures that your IO-Link solution is created on time, reliably, and at the highest level.

IO-Link Stacks for Devices and Masters

We deliver modular, scalable stacks for IO-Link Devices, IO-Link Safety Devices, IO-Link Masters, and IO-Link Safety Masters. This enables you to develop devices that comply with the standards while also supporting advanced functionality. Our solutions are compatible with a wide range of microcontrollers and PHYs, including components from ST, Renesas, NXP, TI, and Analog Devices.

Application development, hardware development & prototyping

Whether it's sensor signal processing, diagnostics, or special control functions – we program your individual application, precisely tailored to your requirements. We also support you in creating schematics and build prototype hardware for you to the latest standards—flexibly and efficiently—so you can test and optimize quickly.

IODD Creation & IODD Testing

Even if you haven’t created an IODD before, getting started with IODD Studio is intuitive and helps you avoid XML errors almost entirely. You can conveniently test and validate your IODD’s behavior with the COD (also available as a loan unit!) even before your hardware is available.

IO-Link Development Master

The IO-Link 1-port USB-C Master is intended for complex applications where IO-Link data needs to be analyzed or logged using a PC-based engineering tool. Communication is handled via TCP/IP using the STCS protocol. This allows IO-Link sensors and IO-Link actuators with advanced functionality to be commissioned easily.

FAQ

No. Our support is modular. We work specifically on defined topics or supplement your team where bottlenecks or risks exist. However, we can also take over the complete development if required!

Both at the beginning of the development phase and for ongoing projects. An early start is particularly worthwhile when the first integration or stability problems arise.
Yes. We adapt to your existing processes, tools, and quality requirements and supplement them specifically.

Yes. From the test concept to automated tests to system and field validation.

In the validation phase, it is verified whether the developed system reliably meets the defined requirements under realistic conditions. The goal is not merely a ‘functioning’ system, but a robust, specification-compliant, and field-ready product that causes no surprises in operation. As such, the validation phase is a key milestone on the path to successful IO-Link product development.

Our IO-Link expert tips
  • Don't just test the "happy path" - IO-Link systems must also react stably in the event of communication interruptions, voltage drops, or incorrect parameterization.
  • Check timing and cycle times realistically - deviations in timing often only appear under load or with multiple devices.
  • Test parameter changes during operation – many field issues are caused by unexpected state changes.
  • Consider cross-manufacturer combinations - master-device combinations do not always behave identically.
  • Plan test depth early - missing test concepts can only be made up for in the validation phase with great effort.
  • Should your product be launched under IO-Link? Take care of IO-Link membership or licensing via the IO-Link Community early on
  • The IO-Link protocol test is the certification test that fails most frequently. At this point, test equipment for self-help could be worthwhile before external certification
Our services and key products
  • Do you need IO-Link certification? No problem—our test equipment and our expertise, including certification support, are ready to help you.
  • Don’t want to run the tests yourself? No problem— as an official IO-Link Test Center, we’re happy to take care of this for you. We can also perform EMC tests for you in our laboratory and test environment in accordance with the applicable requirements.
  • Is your developed product not behaving as expected? Troubleshooting becomes much easier, for example with our IO-Link Diagnosis Tool or the new IO-Link Spy.
  • If tests still fail on your side and you don’t understand the issue or can’t resolve it, please feel free to contact us directly.
  • Do you need additional testing beyond the IO-Link certification tests, such as CE or UL, or are further validations required? We can support you with the preparation!
  • If there is uncertainty as to whether the product is really field-ready despite certification tests, or if an objective external evaluation is desired: We know many of the typical field problems and will check your product thoroughly!

With our test systems, validating or certifying your IO-Link product is no problem!

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Our services and key products

We offer certified IO-Link tests using our test systems, covering all relevant checks from the physical layer to protocol compliance. With specialized EMC testing tools and automated test sequences, we ensure seamless validation. This allows us to provide optimal support for the fast and reliable certification of your devices.

Certified IO-Link Test Center

We perform comprehensive testing for IO-Link devices and IO-Link masters—from physical layer and protocol tests to EMC compliance—according to the requirements for the Manufacturer Declaration (conformity declaration).

IO-Link Protocol Tester for Masters & Devices

With our Device, Master, and Safety Master Testers approved by the IO-Link Community, you receive automated test reports in accordance with the IO-Link test specification.

IO-Link Physical Layer Tester

For the electrical tests in accordance with the IO-Link specification, the Physical Layer Tester measures signal levels, bit timing, and current consumption of IO-Link devices and generates an automated test report to make it easy to identify and correct any issues that occur.

IO-Link EMC Tester

ith the EMC Test Master for conducting EMC tests on IO-Link devices and the EMC Test Device for conducting EMC tests on IO-Link masters, you have powerful and easy-to-use equipment available for straightforward test reporting for the Manufacturer Declaration (conformity declaration).

IO-Link Diagnostic Tools

With the established IO-Link Diagnosis Tool as a powerful all-rounder, and the new IO-Link Spy—introduced at SPS 2025 with a focus on fast analysis of IO-Link communication—we most likely have the right tool for your specific application as well.

FAQ

If you want to market your product as an IO-Link product, you must submit the Manufacturer Declaration, stating that the certification tests have been properly carried out and passed under your responsibility.

If no Manufacturer Declaration is required, the certification tests can be omitted. However, for product validation they are still recommended in most cases.

Validation is a joint task of development, QA, and system managers. An external perspective helps to avoid blind spots.
No. Functional tests show that something works – validation shows how stable it is under real conditions.

As early as possible. Partial validations during development significantly reduce effort and risk in the final phase.

Yes. With our test systems, you can also easily test your IO-Link products and fix existing errors based on the generated test report.

In the market launch phase, a technically released product is transferred to the real market. In addition to pure delivery capability, the focus is on field stability, supportability, and a clean handover from development to operations, sales, and customer application.

Our IO-Link expert tips
  • Plan sufficient resources for the market launch: both for marketing and for subsequent technical support. Market launches almost never run completely smoothly!
  • Don't forget to also train your sales team on the new product to avoid a bumpy market launch.
How we support you

Market launch of your IO-Link product – we’re happy to support you with workshops and ongoing support.

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Our services and key products

We provide flexible optimizations that make your products market-ready. With targeted training for sales, field service, and application consulting, we strengthen your teams in working with IO-Link. We also offer fast support and troubleshooting to competently assist you even when challenges arise.

IO-Link sales training

We provide hands-on consulting and training for your sales and service teams on working with IO-Link. This enables your staff to advise customers competently, explain technical benefits clearly, and respond to individual requirements—an important foundation for successful sales and strong customer service.

Support for documentation & market approval

Based on our experience from numerous projects, we know exactly what matters when it comes to technical documentation and approvals. We support you in creating and reviewing all required documents, helping ensure your market launch runs smoothly and on schedule.

Troubleshooting & support

Our experts support you with technical questions, customer feedback, and troubleshooting—hands-on and solution-oriented. Acting as an extension of your customer service team, we can also support your end customers and help resolve issues quickly—for maximum customer satisfaction and long-term product success.

FAQ
No. Technical quality, supportability, and diagnostic concepts are crucial for a successful market launch.
As soon as the product is validated – ideally even before the first customer contact.
Yes. We also accompany products after the market launch with optimization, error analysis, and further development.

Field deployment shows how robust a product really is. Different systems, environmental conditions, and user behavior pose requirements that can only be mapped to a limited extent in the laboratory. In this phase, the focus is on reliable operation, fast error analysis, and sustainable optimization.

Our IO-Link expert tips
  • Evaluate field feedback in a structured manner to uncover and fix structural problems early on.
  • Get feedback on your product from your customers to identify ambiguities, malfunctions, and problems early on and to be able to counteract them proactively.
How we support you
  • Are you unable to resolve field feedback—or not quickly enough? We’d be happy to support you with our support services.
  • Don't understand why and at what point in the field the problems occur? Our diagnostic tools help you get to the bottom of the error!

With our Diagnosis Tool (also available for rental) or our new IO-Link Spy, you can quickly identify errors in IO-Link communication

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Our services and key products
We provide powerful diagnostic tools for analysis and troubleshooting during operation. In addition, we support you with regular updates and optimizations of our software and hardware products to ensure your IO-Link devices always stay up to date. If needed, we develop variants and customizations so you can respond flexibly to new requirements.
COD Device Emulator

Our COD device emulator enables pre-configuration and comprehensive testing of your IO-Link devices directly at the end customer’s site—even before the final hardware is deployed. This helps you shorten setup times, reduce sources of error, and significantly speed up commissioning.

Diagnose-Tools

The IO-Link Diagnosis Tool analyzes IO-Link signals both electrically and logically. It is based on a high-speed, multi-channel A/D converter and enables inspection of communication at the byte, M-sequence, protocol, and application levels. The captured data is transferred via USB to a Windows PC software tool, which provides detailed analysis capabilities.

Variant Development & Optimization

We support you in the continuous development of your IO-Link devices—whether to add new features, adapt to new customer requirements, or integrate updates to the standard. We also keep you informed about changes and new developments in the IO-Link standard, so your products always remain up to date.

FAQ
Because real systems are more complex than laboratory setups – especially with combinations of different manufacturers and applications.
Yes, if suitable diagnostic and testing options are available. Tools prepared early on save considerable time here.
Yes. We accompany products throughout their entire lifecycle – from the analysis of individual cases to systematic optimization.
No. Field insights are a central input for product quality and further development.

Our Services in IO-Link product development

For us, IO-Link product development means more than just technology. We approach every IO-Link product development holistically – from analyzing your requirements to implementing a robust, field-proven system design.

Workshops and Support

With our IO-Link workshops and technical support, we provide targeted support for your IO-Link product development in every phase — from the idea and concept phase through to the successful field phase.

Software Development
With our IO-Link stacks (IO-Link developer kits) and our extensive libraries, we provide a functional foundation for your application.
Hardware Development

Our experienced engineers quickly analyze your planned hardware and also conduct a schematic review upon request to identify potential issues early on.

Efficient implementation of prototypes

With our various tools for development, testing and diagnostics, we support you in the independent implementation of your project. However, we are naturally available to assist you with any questions.

Would you like consulting for your IO-Link product development?

  • +49 761 21443640
  • +49 761 21443636
  • info@teconcept.de
Do you have questions about our services or would you like to request a non-binding quote? Simply fill out the form – we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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