Raspberry Pi Industrial Sensor Interface HAT [IO-Link]
Integrate industrial IO-Link compatible devices with the IOL HAT.
As outlined by Pinetek Networks:
IO-Link is a standardized communication protocol widely adopted in industries for connecting smart devices and sensors, providing a reliable and robust communication channel for over 20,000 types of devices available on the market.
The IOL HAT, from Pinetek, provides an easy way to incorporate IO-Link-style sensors with Raspberry Pi-based systems. A single IOL HAT provides connections for two IO-Link (AKA Single-Drop Digital Communication Interface, SDCI) devices, and two HATs can be stacked to interface with up to four devices.
The IOL HAT was developed to bridge the gap between IO-LInk industrial-style devices and the extremely versatile – but not inherently industrial – Raspberry Pi single-board computer (SBC). The HAT is listed as compatible and tested with the Raspberry Pi 3, 4, and 5, and it should be possible to use it with other SBCs via SPI.
The setup features the HAT hardware for interface between the device and Pi – including plug-in screw connectors for bare sensor wires – and a master software application that interacts with user code. Users will also need to provide a 24 VDC source to power the HAT and connected IO-Link devices.
But why would you want to use IO-Link devices/this HAT rather than a simpler industrial-style sensor that gives an on/off signal to your Pi application? The video below gives a rather convincing justification, showing how the IOL HAT handles device IO and power connections, while allowing it to interface with an analog distance sensor and a mini color HMI – complete with interface buttons!
