IO-Link Master Stack

Anyone developing an IO-Link-capable automation system, a PLC, or a field device with master functionality faces the task of fully implementing the bidirectional communication standard IO-Link™ (IEC 61131-9) — with all the services mandated by the current IO-Link specification: process data, ISDUs, events, data storage, and Interleaved Mode. TEConcept’s IO-Link Master Stack handles this entire protocol layer as a ready-made, standard-compliant software component. Manufacturers of automation systems and machine builders thus gain a proven foundation that runs on a wide range of microcontrollers and IO-Link ASICs from leading semiconductor manufacturers — significantly accelerating the integration of IO-Link sensors and actuators into existing system environments. Instead of developing the protocol from scratch, your engineers can focus on what sets your system apart.

Would you like to test our IO-Link Master Stack?

Our partners offer cost-effective IO-Link development kits featuring our IO-Link Master Stack, and we also provide our own IO-Link Master Modules to help you get started.
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IO-Link Master Stack Features

  • Complies with the current IO-Link Interface Specification V1.1.5
  • Multi-port support. The maximum number of ports is only resource-limited.
  • Minimum cycle times:
    • 0.4ms @ 230.4 kBaud
    • 2.3ms @ 38.4 kBaud
    • 18ms @ 4.8 kBaud
  • Processor load max. 20MHz/Port (COM3)
  • Control and Test API
  • IO-Link SMI API support according to v1.1.3 specification (extended Fieldnet mapping support with our TSTL API)

Implementation

The IO-Link Master Stack firmware provides full access to all features and services defined in the IO-Link Interface Specification V1.1.2. This includes support for ISDUs, events, Data Storage, and Interleaved Mode. Please note:

  • A real-time operating system is required. The RTOS is accessed through an abstraction layer, allowing support for multiple real-time operating systems. FreeRTOS, OpenRTOS, embOS, and Keil RTX are currently supported.

Processors and ASICs Supported by the IO-Link Master Stack

Our flexible stack architecture allows easy porting to different platforms. If the required processor or ASIC is not yet included in the lists above, we would be happy to carry out a new port. Please contact our support team for further details.

Examples of Existing MCUs

  • STM32F1, STM32F3, STM32F4 & STM32F7
  • STM32G0
  • STM32H7
  • STM32L4
  • RA4M2
  • RL78
  • RX231

Asix:

  • AX58400

Silicon Labs:

  • EFR32MG24

Beispiele für bestehende IO-Link ASICs:

  • L6360
  • LTC2874
  • MAX14819
  • MAX14824
  • CCE4510
  • CCE4511
  • ZIOL2401
  • TIOL112

Processors and ASICs Supported by the IO-Link Master Stack

  • KEIL-MDK
  • IAR Toolchain
  • Eclipse/GNU-GCC Toolchain / NXP LPCXpresso

IO-Link Master Stack Licensing Information and Scope of Delivery

  • Development license, including complete source code
  • Production license
  • Porting to target hardware
  • Documentation, installation manual, and porting description
  • API interface documentation
  • Example application
  • Compiler & Linker example setup
  • IO-Link configuration software with IODD Interpreter for commissioning tests

Please contact our sales team for further details on licensing, the scope of delivery, and the practical implementation of your project.

Additional Offerings for the IO-Link Master Stack

TEConcept IO-Link Control Tool Software

Control Tool Software

Control Tool (CT) software for operating the stack from a PC simplifies integration into the customer application and provides straightforward options for testing and comparing the stack’s functionality.

TEConcept IO-Link 1-Port USB-C Master

1-Port USB-C Master

The IO-Link 1-Port USB-C Master is the compact development and service tool for engineers who want to parameterize, analyze, and test IO-Link sensors and actuators directly from a PC — without a PLC, without an external power supply. Connected via USB-C, it provides a complete master connection and delivers instant access to process data, parameters, and device events via the included Windows GUI (Control Tool).

TEConcept IO-Link 1-Port Master Module

1-Port Master Module

On a minimal footprint of just 43 mm x 33 mm, this module offers an integrated transceiver as well as a full-featured V1.1.4 Master Stack. Communication with your hardware is straightforward via simple telegrams using SPI or UART interfaces. An integrated USB port for the TEConcept Control Tool is also available for easy offline configuration.

TEConcept IO-Link 4-Port-Master Module

4-Port Master Module

For more comprehensive requirements, this module provides four fully tested, IO-Link-compliant ports on 59 mm x 39 mm. It enables direct access to process data and diagnostic information from up to four devices simultaneously. Optionally, we offer custom adaptations of the application software for this module to implement cost-effective stand-alone systems in the form of a mini-PLC.

Contact

For technical details, individual consultation, or to start your IO-Link project, please contact us. We will support you in selecting the right solution.
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