IO-Link is a point-to-point interface for the low-cost connection of smart/intelligent devices serving the lowest level of automation (see right - click the image to enlarge). Devices at this level were once exclusively 'on/off' types, but increasingly they offer higher performance capabilities such as configuration on-the-fly, higher resolutions and enhanced operations.

They incorporate greater processing power and need faster and more intelligent communications with controller devices. IO-Link serves this need with a flexible solution that is fieldbus-independent. IO-Link is flexible because it is designed to work with traditional devices without modification so installing an IO-Link network is extremely easy. Existing sensor networks can also be easily upgraded to incorporate the newer device types.