How many modules can solidot IO-link master cascade?

↑ Solidot IO-Link master IOL-PN01B-8A、IOL-EC01B-8A

The IO-Link bus I/O series products of Solidot Technology are widely used in the automobile manufacturing industry. At present, there are two IO-Link masters sold by our company,  IOL-PN01B-8A and IOL-EC01B-8A, which support the two protocols of PROFINET and EtherCAT.

One of the main purposes for customers to purchase IO-Link master stations is to bind a variety of different IO-Link devices through it to achieve two-way communication between the control layer and field devices (sensors, actuators). Therefore, its cascading ability is strong or not, but also an important reference indicator, generally need to consider two points: network and power.

I. Network

The IO-Link master station of Solidot technology has no limit itself, mainly depends on the ability of PLC, taking PROFINET protocol as an example: Siemens 1200 series, firmware V2.0 supports 8 PN slave stations; V3.0 and above support 16 PN secondary stations; 1511 Supports 128 PN secondary stations; EtherCAT PLCS are the same, and the performance parameters of the PLC generally list how many EC nodes are supported.

2. Power Supply

Modules are powered in series through OUT ports. The total current consumed by the auxiliary power supply of each module should be ≤9A, and the total current consumed by the system power supply and auxiliary power supply of all modules should be ≤9A.

For example, as shown in the figure above, when series power is supplied, the consumption current of series modules will flow inside the module, so if you want to know how many modules are connected, you must calculate the total consumption current to ensure that the rule of "1+2+3" ≤9A is met. The following examples illustrate --

The current consumption of module 1 is 4A, the current consumption of module 2 is 5A and the current consumption of module 3 is 6A. When module 1, module 2 and module 3 are powered in series at the same time, the total current consumed is 4+5+6=15A<16A, which conforms to the established rules and can be powered in series for this type.

The current consumption of module 1 is 5A, the current consumption of module 2 is 6A and the current consumption of module 3 is 7A. When modules 1, 2, and 3 are powered in series at the same time and the total current consumed is 5+6+7=18A>16A, it does not meet the standard of less than 16A and cannot be powered in series.

The above is the answer to how many modules can be cascaded by the IO-Link master module of Solidot technology. If you have any questions, welcome to inquire, we will be happy to serve you!