New IO-Link Based RFID System from Balluff

Balluff, a manufacturer of optical, inductive, magnetic, and capacitive sensors, has announced the new IO-Link based RFID system.

The IO-Link protocol enables to easily connect a RFID processor or other complex devices to network through a gateway with the help of the standard discrete sensor wiring.

The IO-Link block simplifies the PLC setup and the network topology. When multiple RFID readers are run over a single I/O block by utilizing the 3-conductor sensor cables, it helps to minimize the costs.

The IO-Link–based RFID will be useful for barcodes that are used in industries such as pallet assembly. The plug-and-play IO-Link system uses the IO-Link-based RFID processors and heads, however, provides complete data reliability unlike the barcode readers.

The Balluff device can replace the 4-port RS232 PLC module, four shielded cordsets, and the I/O enclosure with four non-shielded, 3-conductor cordsets, and one IO-Link Expansion Module. The expansion module provides extra I/O points for application in discrete sensors, pressure sensors, and analog devices.