IO-Link Interface Module for SENT and I2C Sensor Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors with standard interfaces, such as SENT, I²C, and I³C, cannot be directly connected to IO-Link systems due to compatibility issues, limiting the selection of sensors that can be used in process automation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic interface module with a digital, clocked interface for receiving sensor data encoded according to a predetermined protocol, such as SENT, I²C, or I³C, and an electronic conversion device to recode the data for IO-Link compatibility, along with a device description file for automatic sensor parameterization, enables connection of a wide range of sensors to IO-Link systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensors with standard interfaces (SENT, I²C, I³C) are used, then sensor selection is limited to commonly used process automation sensors, but compatibility with IO-Link systems is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic interface module as an intermediary device between sensors with standard interfaces (SENT, I²C, I³C) and the IO-Link system. This module contains protocol conversion functionality that translates sensor data from various standard protocols into IO-Link compatible format, enabling sensors that would otherwise be incompatible to communicate reliably with the IO-Link master while expanding the available sensor selection range
2Reliability
If an electronic evaluation module is used to connect conventional sensors to IO-Link, then compatibility is achieved, but the selection of sensors remains limited to process automation sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic interface module is designed with universal protocol conversion capabilities that support multiple standard sensor interfaces (SENT, I²C, I³C, and others) in addition to IO-Link. This multi-functional design allows the same module to work with diverse sensor types from different industries (automotive, consumer electronics, industrial), making the solution universally applicable and greatly expanding sensor type variety beyond just process automation sensors
3Ease of manufacture
If sensors from automotive electronics with SENT interface or computer industry with I²C interface are used, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but direct connection to IO-Link system is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module serves as a cost-effective intermediary that enables the use of inexpensive sensors from automotive (SENT) and consumer electronics (I²C) industries by translating their protocols to IO-Link. This approach is more economical than purchasing expensive native IO-Link sensors while maintaining full compatibility with the IO-Link system through protocol conversion
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic interface module (1) for connecting a sensor (4) with a standard interface to an IO-Link system, comprising at least one first interface (2) for data transmission and coupling of the sensor (4) and for receiving sensor data from the sensor (4); comprising an electronic conversion device (5) for converting sensor data into IO-Link communication-compatible data; comprising at least one second interface (3) for data transmission and coupling of the IO-Link system and for sending sensor data converted by the conversion device (5), wherein the first interface (2) is designed as a digital, clocked interface for receiving sensor data encoded according to a predetermined first protocol, and the conversion device (5) is configured to recode the received sensor data to achieve IO-Link communication compatibility.The invention is characterized in that the first interface (2) is designed as a SENT interface or the first interface (2) is designed as a universal interface which can be used both as a SENT interface and as an I2C interface and/or I3C interface.