IO-Link Explained: The Powerful Communication Standard

Do you have new IO-Link products and would like to test them in advance?

On September 22 and 23, 2026, the annual IO-Link Interop Workshop will take place in Bad Soden, Germany (near Frankfurt a. M.), where international manufacturers of IO-Link devices, tools and integration components will come together to check and ensure smooth interaction in OT and the connection to IT. In addition to the standard technology of IO-Link, topics such as IO-Link Wireless, profile implementations, system integrations and IoT connections such as JSON REST API will also be covered. Particularly noteworthy is the opportunity to test IO-Link Safety devices!

The IO-Link Plugfest offers you the opportunity to test the interoperability of your devices or software in a realistic environment and ensure that they work together with products from other manufacturers without any problems. This allows you to test interoperability during the development phase and exchange information at a technical level. You also have the opportunity to clarify open questions in discussions with experts and develop a deeper understanding of the technology. Depending on the progress of your development, a test run can also be carried out with one of the available testers.

Our IO-Link experts are on hand to advise you on all questions relating to IO-Link. The direct exchange and feedback from other developers will provide you with valuable insights and possible suggestions for improving your product or solution.

The participation fee for the IO-Link Interop workshop is 285 € / participant. (This fee covers food/drinks and a dinner together in the evening - but does not include the cost of accommodation).

For organizational reasons, please register online by August 31, 2026.

From December 1 -3, 2026, you have again the opportunity to participate in a training course in english to become an "IO-Link Safety Certified Designer". It takes place in Karlsruhe (Germany) in cooperation with TÜV-SÜD assessment body and offers a personal TÜV certificate after passing the exam.

IO-Link Safety expands machines and systems automated with IO-Link to include functionally safe components and communication. The latest version of the IO-Link Safety specification (1.1.3) and version 1.1 of the associated test specification with protocol and functional tests build upon the successful base technology specifications in the IO-Link 2020 package. 

On the first day of the course, content will include the basics of IO-Link Safety, such as safety principles, functional objectives, requirements for IO-Link (“black channel”), risks & remedial measures, the communication protocol, fault detection, device replacement without tools, configuration, parameter setting and back-up of data, possible architectures, testing & certification, environmental regulations, and example applications.

On the second day, TÜV-SÜD will cover the basics of safety development – of FS masters and FS devices in particular – in accordance with IEC 61508/62061 and ISO 13849, enabling participants to evaluate the requirements for the engineering departments of their company. This includes an overview of the relevant standards & their content, project management, management for functional safety, required documentation, life cycle, safety functions, preferred architectures, methods for avoiding dangerous faults, FMEA, verification & validation and certification.

The third day will begin with a general overview of procedures for design, implementation and test. Furhter the creation of IODDs and dedicated tools will be covered. A host of technology and service providers will then present test systems, development kits and development support.

Written tests are administered after the completion of each day’s training. All the tests must be passed in order to receive a certificate.

A participation fee of 770 Euros is charged for the course.

You are welcome to already register for the training.