IO-Link Explained: The Powerful Communication Standard

The IO-Link Community has reached a significant milestone in the further development of IO-Link Safety: TÜV SÜD has successfully tested and officially certified the IO-Link Safety specification V1.1.4. This lays the foundation for the widespread industrial use of the technology-neutral safety solution.

Certification by an independent testing agency marks the end of the development phase for IO-Link Safety and now enables the introduction of market-ready products. As the first officially designated IO-Link Safety Test Center, TÜV SÜD has already begun testing IO-Link Safety masters and devices. The first certified products will be available on the market shortly.

IO-Link Safety is the safety-related extension of the proven IO-Link technology and enables – in line with the IO-Link concept – seamless integration into existing automation and safety structures. The specification was already positively evaluated by TÜV SÜD and the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the DGUV (IFA) during the concept phase. Based on the proof-of-concept results, the specification was consistently developed further to product maturity together with the associated test specification.

In contrast to conventional IO-Link, IO-Link Safety relies on third-party certification. Manufacturers must have their products tested at a recognized test center—an additional step to ensure the highest quality and safety standards.

With over 20,000 IO-Link-compatible products available and more than 500 manufacturers worldwide, IO-Link offers a dynamic ecosystem that creates ideal conditions for rapid market penetration of IO-Link Safety. The open architecture enables easy integration into all common PLC, DCS, and IoT systems. 

Development costs are particularly high when it comes to functional safety, which makes it all the more valuable that IO-Link Safety requires support for only a single, easily implementable communication standard. As IO-Link Safety devices can be used in all automation systems worldwide without modification, which is why the community expects rapid establishment and fast market growth.
 

The IO-Link Community has published a new Security Deployment Guideline. This is intended to help users evaluate and implement security measures for the use of IO-Link technology. This guideline is an indispensable tool for all those who want to improve the security of their IO-Link systems. The main objective of the IO-Link Secure Deployment Guideline is to provide end users with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively assess and implement security measures for the use of IO-Link technology. The document provides detailed instructions and best practices for the use of secure IO-Link systems. By following this guide, users can ensure that their IO-Link systems are secure and resilient to potential threats.

The Secure Deployment Guideline is available for free in the download area on the IO-Link website (www.io-link.com/downloads).

In addition to the directive for the use of IO-Link, a further guideline for the secure design and secure development of IO-Link products is currently being developed. The IO-Link Secure Design and Development Guideline is aimed at technology and device manufacturers involved in the design and development of IO-Link products. It provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and integrating security measures into IO-Link products. This guide will serve as an essential reference to ensure that safety is a fundamental aspect of product development. The editorial work on the development guideline is nearing completion.

With these activities and guidelines, the IO-Link Community underlines its commitment to future-proof and practical solutions in industrial communication.
 

On May 22, 2025, the IO-Link Community gathered in Bad Soden for this year's Members Assembly. A key event was the regular election of the Steering Committee, which plays a decisive role in shaping the technological future of the standard. A complete list of the members of the Steering Committee is available on the new IO-Link website (www.io-link.com).

Another highlight was the presentation of IO-Link's vision and mission. The goal is to consolidate the standard worldwide as the leading enabler for industrial IoT and digitization processes. In addition, the current roadmap was presented, outlining the strategic path for future developments, innovations, new functions, and security aspects. With this roadmap, IO-Link will continue to play a leading role in industrial automation and drive forward the cooperation of all partners in digitization.

Another important item on the agenda of the Members Assembly was the presentation of the future development of IO-Link packages for maintenance updates. Package 2025 serves as a pilot project for the newly defined package process, which is intended to make the creation, updating, and management of IO-Link standards more efficient and transparent. The goal is to establish a clear structure and standardized process to make the further development of the standard even more targeted and flexible.

Another focus was on the increasingly important security requirements. Work on the “IO-Link Secure Deployment Guideline” was presented to help end users with secure implementation. The “Secure Design and Development Guideline for IO-Link Devices” is still under development. It will contain recommendations for the secure design and development of IO-Link products to meet increasing security requirements.

In order to provide all participants with comprehensive information, the leaders of the working groups also reported on the current status of their groups' activities. This year's Members Assembly confirmed once again that IO-Link is a vibrant, committed, and global community in automation technology.