New PC software exploits full potential of IO-Link devices

The IO-Link standard continues to be a significant driver in exploiting the potential for automated and robotic systems across many manufacturing applications – and control software is a crucial part of this process, especially at sensor level. Sensing and Instrumentation specialists BAUMER recognises these opportunities and sees the development of new PC software for the evaluation, selection and parameterisation of IO-Link devices is an important step forward.

“The new Baumer Sensor Suite (BSS) helps engineers to test, implement and evaluate IO-Link devices more efficiently, thanks to features such as intuitive visualisation of sensor functions,” states the company. “This latest software is a centrepiece for application development by allowing the connection of all IO-Link devices to many IO-Link masters on the market. BSS enables users to access a wide variety of sensor functions and settings for new control models, such as Dual Channel and new parameterisation concepts.”

Functions simplified

Many of these functions are new or have been simplified, in terms of condition monitoring, teaching capabilities, format alignments, special filters or secondary data. All these represent opportunities for improved plant efficiency and increased flexibility, yet they also raise the complexity in the selection and parameterisation of IO-Link sensors.

“The new BSS sensor suite allows engineers to exploit the full potential of these functionalities with minimum effort,” adds BAUMER. “For example, a plug-and-work feature significantly speeds up development processes, while intuitive visualisation supports fast and precise parametrisation, which benefits commissioning engineers and collaborators.”

A save and restore function helps users to easily transfer the prior optimised parameters to the IO-Link devices, while also supporting error analysis helping to improve ongoing maintenance, the company continues. “Faster access to diagnostic data and clear visualisation also helps external servicing technicians to quickly grasp the sensor and application situation, which may help to reduce downtime.”

Future-proof architecture

The BBS sensor suite is based on future-proof software architecture utilising elements of the Microsoft Azure Cloud, which is said to maximise access to the latest software versions and functionalities at all times. BBS in its basic version, including Apps Catalogue, Device Library and Device Cockpit, can be downloaded from the BAUMER website.

“The basic version is the starting point for other Baumer Apps and digital services and therefore represents the ideal tool to fully exploit IO-Link device potential, both now and in the future,” it concludes.