“The converter lets you connect devices like barcode scanners, printers or RS232 controllers directly to an IO-Link terminal,” said the firm, claiming: “The expensive alternative using additional special components such as RS232 cards for integration into the respective controller is now superfluous.”

Weighing 100g, the unit is 118mm long and 18mm in diameter. Sealing is to IP67, and the housing is stainless steel.

Digital inputs are 2 x PNP, type 3, and visible LEDs are included for make diagnostics.

IO-Link connection is via a 4pin M12 plug, and RS232 is via an 8pin M12 female – this also provides 24V power for the RS232 device.

IO-Link is a fieldbus-neutral, point-to-point digital connection. “It is the first globally standardized IO-technology that communicates from the controller down to the lowest automation level and integrates sensors as well as actuators at the fieldbus level,” said Balluff.

IEC 61131-9:2013 specifies a single-drop digital communication interface technology for small sensors and actuators.  It extends the traditional digital input and digital output interfaces as defined in IEC 61131-2 towards a point-to-point communication link, allowing the transfer of parameters to end devices and diagnostic information from end devices.