International standardization successfully completed: IO-Link Wireless radio communication is certified according to IEC. In November, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published the standard IEC 61139-3:2023 "Industrial networks - Single-drop digital communication interface - Part 3: Wireless Extensions". The task of the standardization organization based in Geneva is the international standardization of safety, efficiency, reliability and interoperability of electrical, electronic and information technologies.

With the international standardization, the wireless IO-Link wireless technology follows IO-Link and its extension IO-Link Safety. The communication standard enables a fieldbus-independent point-to-point connection and seamless communication between intelligent sensors and automation systems - and is therefore a key building block for the factory of the future.

Importance of IO-Link technology recognized early on

"For Balluff, the international standardization of IO-Link Wireless is an important step in advancing the global use of this relatively new technology," says Balluff Product Manager Ralf Kaptur. "We are delighted to have been able to contribute to its development." The sensor and automation specialist recognized the importance of IO-Link technology early on and played an active role in shaping it. In 2006, Balluff was one of the founding members of the IO-Link consortium: As the IO-Link community, the close association of component manufacturers, automation companies and end customers has been driving the further development of the communication solution - and thus also the transition to an IEC standard - ever since. 2018 saw the presentation of the IO-Link specification IO-Link Wireless.

Innovating Automation

"The standardization, including the text specification, guarantees the manufacturer-independent compatibility of all components. The IO-Link wireless system from Balluff, which is used wherever conventional data transmission is not possible or only possible with difficulty, also complies with the international standard," says Kaptur. "We have already gained extensive market experience with our existing products since their launch in 2021. True to our motto 'innovating automation', we will therefore continue to be a competent partner in the future and guarantee our customers the necessary security and flexibility."