IO-Link and Cube67 are both communication protocols used in industrial automation, but they differ in their functions and capabilities. They have different purposes and characteristics.
IO-Link is a point-to-point communication protocol that enables communication between sensors, actuators, and controllers in a factory or plant. It uses a serial communication protocol to transmit data and supports both analog and digital signals. IO-Link allows for easy configuration and diagnosis of devices, making it ideal for applications that require high flexibility and configurability.
It is a digital communication protocol that allows sensors and actuators to communicate with the controller over a standard 3-wire cable. It is a point-to-point communication protocol, meaning that each device is connected directly to the controller. IO-Link provides bi-directional communication, allowing the controller to not only send commands to the devices but also receive data from them. IO-Link is often used for smart sensors, which can provide additional data about the process they are monitoring. IO-Link allows for easy configuration and diagnosis of devices, making it ideal for applications that require high flexibility and configurability.
IO-Link is a universal standard and can be used with various fieldbus systems, such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and PROFIBUS. It is designed to be easy to implement, flexible, and provide diagnostics and parameterization capabilities.
Cube67, on the other is a modular fieldbus system developed by Murrelektronik.
It is a modular fieldbus system that allows for the flexible connection of sensors and actuators. It is a bus-based communication protocol, meaning that devices are connected to the bus instead of directly to the controller. Cube67 uses a decentralized architecture, where the intelligence of the system is distributed across the modules, reducing the load on the central controller. Cube67 supports various communication protocols, including PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and EtherCAT.
It provides a range of different modules for different functions, such as digital inputs and outputs, analog inputs and outputs, and safety modules. It offers high-speed communication and supports a variety of fieldbus protocols, making it suitable for applications that require high-performance and real-time control. Cube67 is known for its fast response time, high data transfer rates, and robustness.
In summary, IO-Link is a point-to-point communication protocol used for digital communication between sensors and actuators and the controller offering more convenience to network system while Cube67 is a modular fieldbus system used for flexible connection of sensors and actuators, supporting various communication protocols and where speed is required.
Both technologies have their specific advantages and use cases and the choice between them depends on the requirements of the application.