AY1020 - 8-Port IO-Link Master EtherNet/IP IP20 | ifm
MPN: AY1020 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1200 | $1,200.00 |
| 5 | $1140 | $5,700.00 |
| 10 | $1080 | $10,800.00 |
| 25 | $1020 | $25,500.00 |
| 50 | $960 | $48,000.00 |
AY1020 Overview
Background: An IO-Link master is the gateway device that sits between a fieldbus / industrial Ethernet network (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, etc.) and one or more IO-Link sensors or actuators. IO-Link itself is a point-to-point, IEC 61131-9 standardized, single-drop digital communication protocol (SDCI) designed to bring intelligence down to the sensor level. The master acts as a hub: each port exchanges process data, on-request service data (ISDU), and diagnostic events with the connected IO-Link device (typically a v1.0 or v1.1 sensor), and forwards them upstream as cyclic and acyclic EtherNet/IP assemblies. IO-Link masters are categorized by fieldbus protocol, port count, IP rating (IP20 control cabinet vs IP65/IP67 field), and mounting style. The AY1020 belongs to the IP20 EtherNet/IP class with 8 ports.
Key features include 8 IO-Link ports (A and B ports are configurable as standard IO-Link or 4-port neutrally switchable), 10 dedicated digital inputs, 2 configurable digital inputs/outputs, an integrated 2-port Ethernet switch for daisy-chaining, and a PNP (sourcing) input configuration. The device supports IO-Link v1.0 and v1.1 devices with COM1/COM2/COM3 baud rates and is suitable for use in PLC-controlled assembly lines and process-control machinery. Configuration is performed via the ifm monexplorer or LR Agent software, and integration with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs is via the ifm-provided EDS/AOI for EtherNet/IP.
Typical applications include factory automation control cabinets, automotive body-shop IO-Link sensor hubs, packaging machinery sensor networks, and process-control cabinets in semiconductor fab. Plant engineers designing the equipment must allocate DIN-rail space, ensure 24 V DC power budget (including sensor current draw from each port), and use only ifm and only IP20 control-cabinet IO-Link masters in protected enclosures. Field-side IO-Link masters with IP65/IP67 ratings and M12 connectors belong to a different product family (e.g., ifm AL1xxx).
When designing with this device, plan the EtherNet/IP network so the integrated switch supports linear topology without an external switch, but ring topologies require an additional managed Ethernet switch. The AY1020 ships with ifm LineRecorder and monexplorer tools for device parameterization, and provides per-port short-circuit and wire-break diagnostics via IO-Link event flags.
Drop-in alternatives for AY1020 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
AL1020
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AL1352
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AL1350
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AL1940
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AY1020-01
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AY1020 Specifications
| Product Type | IO-Link Master |
| Fieldbus Protocol | EtherNet/IP |
| Number of IO-Link Ports | 8 (Ports A and B configurable) |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 10 |
| Number of Configurable Digital I/O | 2 (DIA / DIB, configurable as input or output) |
| Operating Voltage | 18 - 30 V DC |
| Nominal Voltage | 24 V DC |
| Switching Logic | PNP (sourcing) |
| Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Installation Location | Control cabinet (DIN-rail mounted) |
| Connection Type | Screw terminals |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 (with integrated switch for line topology) |
| IO-Link Specification | v1.0 / v1.1 (COM1, COM2, COM3) |
| Mounting | DIN-rail (EN 60715, 35 mm) |
| Embedded Tools | LineRecorder Agent |
| Configuration Software | ifm monexplorer / LR Agent |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
AY1020 standard Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for AY1020 (standard package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for AY1020.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
AY1020 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Body Shop Sensor Networks, Factory Automation Control Cabinet I/O Hub, Packaging Machinery Sensor Integration, Process Control Cabinet IO-Link Aggregation, Material Handling Conveyor Sensor Networks, Semiconductor Wet-Bench Sensor Monitoring.
Automotive Body Shop Sensor Networks
The AY1020's 8 IO-Link ports and EtherNet/IP protocol make it ideal for automotive body-shop sensor hubs that integrate with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs. Each of the 8 ports connects to an IO-Link sensor (e.g., welding-tip temperature, robot-joint position, or proximity sensor) and forwards both cyclic process data and diagnostic events to the EtherNet/IP scanner. With 10 dedicated digital inputs plus 2 configurable DIO, the AY1020 also handles discrete safety-light-curtain and door-interlock inputs common in robotic cells. Compared to 4-port masters, the AY1020 cuts cabinet footprint in half for the same sensor count, and the integrated 2-port Ethernet switch supports line topology to reduce external switch cost.
Recommended
Factory Automation Control Cabinet I/O Hub
The AY1020 functions as the IO-Link I/O hub in 24 V DC control cabinets distributed throughout a plant. Its DIN-rail mounting and IP20 rating suit it for protected enclosures, while its 8 ports serve multiple IO-Link sensors (pressure, level, flow, optical) per cabinet, reducing the number of IP20 remote-I/O drops needed. With EtherNet/IP, the AY1020 connects directly to Allen-Boundle/Rockwell PLCs without protocol gateways, and the integrated Ethernet switch enables line topology between cabinets, eliminating one external managed switch per line. The LineRecorder Agent logs IO-Link events for predictive diagnostics.
Recommended
Packaging Machinery Sensor Integration
The AY1020 is well-suited to packaging machinery where 8 IO-Link devices typically include label sensors, fill-level sensors, color/contrast sensors, and temperature sensors. With EtherNet/IP integration to the packaging machine's PLC, the AY1020 transfers both process data and IO-Link diagnostic events (e.g., sensor-soiling warnings) up to the HMI/SCADA layer. The 10 digital inputs handle discrete signals from safety guards, E-stops, and product-presence sensors, while the 2 configurable DIO can drive reject solenoids or stack-light towers. The DIN-rail IP20 form factor installs directly in the packaging machine's control panel.
Recommended
Process Control Cabinet IO-Link Aggregation
In process-control cabinets (e.g., semiconductor fab, water-treatment skid), the AY1020 aggregates 8 IO-Link instruments (pressure, temperature, flow, conductivity) into a single EtherNet/IP node. With 24 V DC nominal and IP20 rating, it serves as the bridge between field instrumentation and the supervisory PLC. The 2-port Ethernet switch supports redundant ring topologies when wired with an external managed switch (STP/RSTP), and per-port short-circuit protection allows hot-swapping of failed sensors without cabinet shutdown. The LR Agent provides web-based diagnostic access for maintenance technicians.
Recommended
Material Handling Conveyor Sensor Networks
The AY1020's 8 IO-Link ports serve the photoelectric, inductive, and capacitive sensors distributed along a conveyor line, with EtherNet/IP forwarding tag data to the conveyor PLC. With the integrated 2-port Ethernet switch, multiple AY1020 units daisy-chain in line topology, simplifying cabling and reducing the number of Ethernet drops needed per conveyor zone. The 10 dedicated digital inputs accept auxiliary signals from motor starters and overload contacts, while the 2 configurable DIO can drive diverters and stop signals. The DIN-rail IP20 housing installs in the conveyor-side control cabinet.
Recommended
Semiconductor Wet-Bench Sensor Monitoring
In semiconductor wet-bench and cleanroom control panels, the AY1020 monitors 8 IO-Link chemical-level, conductivity, and temperature sensors per bench, with EtherNet/IP forwarding diagnostic data to the fab's MES/SCADA system. Its IP20 rating suits cleanroom control-panel installation, while its small DIN-rail footprint allows high-density sensor aggregation per cabinet. The 10 digital inputs handle discrete signals from cabinet doors, fume-extraction fans, and chemical-dispense valves, while the 2 configurable DIO can drive warning lamps or cabinet ventilation. EtherNet/IP integration is native to the fab's Allen-Bradley-based control network.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AY1020 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AL1020 | AL1352 | AL1350 | AL1940 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | ifm | ifm | ifm | ifm | ifm |
| Fieldbus Protocol | EtherNet/IP | EtherCAT | PROFINET | EtherCAT | EtherNet/IP |
| IO-Link Ports | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 4 |
| Digital Inputs | 10 + 2 configurable | 10 + 2 configurable | 10 + 2 configurable | 10 + 2 configurable | 4 + 2 configurable |
| IP Class | IP20 | IP20 | IP20 | IP20 | IP20 |
| Mounting | DIN-rail (control cabinet) | DIN-rail (control cabinet) | DIN-rail (control cabinet) | DIN-rail (control cabinet) | DIN-rail (control cabinet) |
| Operating Voltage | 18-30 V DC | 18-30 V DC | 18-30 V DC | 18-30 V DC | 18-30 V DC |
| Integrated Ethernet Switch | Yes (2-port) | Yes (2-port) | Yes (2-port) | Yes (2-port) | Yes (2-port) |
Key Differentiators
- EtherNet/IP native protocol (vs AL1352)
- 8 IO-Link ports in single module (vs AL1940)
- 10 dedicated digital inputs (vs AL1020)
- LineRecorder Agent embedded (vs Generic IO-Link master)
Design Notes
Do NOT install the AY1020 in the field - its IP20 rating means it requires a protected control-cabinet environment. For field mounting, choose an IP65/IP67 master from the ifm AL1xxx family with M12 connectors. Installing an IP20 device in a wet or dusty location will cause immediate failure and void the warranty.
Size the 24 V DC power supply to handle both the AY1020 electronics (typically <300 mA) AND the per-port IO-Link sensor current draw, which can be 200-500 mA per port under worst case (8 ports x 500 mA = 4 A). Total worst-case supply current is approximately 4.3 A. Use a NEC Class 2 or SELV-rated 24 V DC supply with at least 25% margin.
Plan the EtherNet/IP network to leverage the AY1020's integrated 2-port Ethernet switch for line (daisy-chain) topology between cabinets. This eliminates one external managed Ethernet switch per line but does NOT support ring redundancy - for ring topology with RSTP/STP, an external managed switch is required. Maintain at least 100 mm clearance around the AY1020 for ventilation in the cage (cabinet).
Use shielded Ethernet cables (Cat 5e or higher) for the EtherNet/IP ports and route them at least 200 mm away from VFD motor cables and 24 V DC power lines to minimize EMI. The IO-Link ports themselves are less sensitive but still benefit from shielded cables in high-EMI environments like automotive weld shops.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per ifm product page. Industrial product - AEC-Q100 does not apply (use ifm automotive variants). CE/UL approvals per ifm product datasheet.