AL1921 - IO-Link Master EtherNet/IP 8-Port IP20 | ifm efector
MPN： AL1921 ✓ 啟用中AL1921 概覽
An IO-Link master is an industrial gateway device that sits between a higher-level fieldbus or industrial Ethernet network (such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, or EtherCAT) and downstream IO-Link sensors and actuators. IO-Link is a point-to-point, low-latency digital communication standard (IEC 61131-9) that replaces traditional analog and discrete wiring with a single 3-wire cable carrying power, process data, and diagnostics. The master handles the master/slave protocol stack, parameterization storage, and cyclic data exchange, exposing each IO-Link port's value to the controller as discrete I/O or mapped process data. In the industrial automation hierarchy, IO-Link masters belong to the field-level network layer, sitting below controllers and above sensors.
Key features of the AL1921 include three Ethernet ports, support for 8 IO-Link channels (Class A), MQTT JSON push for IT integration, EtherNet/IP CIP messaging, and an IP20 control-panel-mount form factor. The module uses pluggable screw terminals for the power and sensor supply, and standard M12 or RJ45 Ethernet ports depending on the variant. It is designed for space-saving small control cabinet installation.
The architecture is based on a dedicated IO-Link stack processor managing the SIO/DI/DO/IO-Link mode switching on each of the 8 ports, plus a separate Ethernet switch handling the EtherNet/IP and MQTT traffic. The IT/automation network separation is implemented through two separate physical Ethernet interfaces, isolating the OT traffic from the IT traffic.
Typical applications include factory automation IO-Link sensor networks, EtherNet/IP cell-level connectivity, IT/OT convergence via MQTT, and machine-building integration panels. The compact DIN-rail housing makes the AL1921 particularly suited to retrofit or upgrade of existing machines that need to bridge new IO-Link sensors into an EtherNet/IP backbone.
When designing with this module, ensure that the control cabinet provides adequate heat dissipation; the IP20 housing is intended for protected panel mounting only, not for direct exposure to dust or moisture. Plan Ethernet topology so that the IT network and the automation network ports are kept on physically isolated switches to honor the OT/IT separation that the device advertises.
直接替換替代品，適用於 AL1921 — 相同封裝，腳位對腳位相容。需重新設計 PCB 的不同封裝零件不列入。
AL1920
✅ 直接替換📋 參考替代品（不在目錄中）
AL1922
✅ 直接替換📋 參考替代品（不在目錄中）
AL1921 規格（製造商公布）
| Product Family | IO-Link master with EtherNet/IP interface |
| Manufacturer | ifm efector |
| Model Designation | AL1921 |
| Industrial Ethernet Protocol | EtherNet/IP |
| Secondary Interface | MQTT JSON |
| Number of Ethernet Ports | 3 |
| Number of IO-Link Ports | 8 (Class A) |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 8 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 8 |
| Operating Voltage (US) | 20 V to 30 V DC |
| 安裝類型 | DIN rail (control panel) |
| Protection Class | IP20 |
| Housing Dimensions (W x H x D) | 50 x 105.3 x 125.7 mm |
| Connection Type | Pluggable screw terminals (US, sensor supply, digital I/O) |
| Data Transmission | Process data, diagnostic data, parameter data |
| RoHS 狀態 | Compliant |
AL1921 介面與連接器
AL1921 依製造商公布提供以下介面與連接器：乙太網路。擴充排針腳位、連接器腳位編號與電氣限制均定義於製造商文件中。
| 乙太網路 | EtherNet/IP |
請參閱 製造商文件 以取得完整的擴充排針腳位定義與連接器腳位編號。
典型應用
AL1921 適用於 6 應用s: Factory Automation IO-Link Sensor Networks, EtherNet/IP Cell-Level Connectivity, IT/OT Convergence with MQTT, Retrofit of Legacy Machines with IO-Link, Packaging and Assembly Machine Sensor Aggregation, Process Cell Monitoring and Diagnostics.
Factory Automation IO-Link Sensor Networks
The AL1921's 8 IO-Link Class A ports allow direct connection of up to 8 smart IO-Link sensors, replacing parallel discrete wiring and giving the controller access to process data, diagnostics, and parameterization through the EtherNet/IP interface. With 20-30 V DC operation and EtherNet/IP messaging, the module fits into typical 24 V factory-automation cells and supports sensor replacement without manual configuration when paired with IO-Link devices that store parameters in the master. The IP20 DIN-rail housing suits control-cabinet installation in conventional industrial panels.
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EtherNet/IP Cell-Level Connectivity
Designed primarily as an EtherNet/IP gateway, the AL1921 acts as a CIP adapter that exposes each IO-Link port as EtherNet/IP assembly instances to the PLC. With three Ethernet ports and built-in CIP messaging, it supports daisy-chained EtherNet/IP topologies while keeping machine data accessible to the controller in real time. This makes the AL1921 a natural fit for cells already running EtherNet/IP masters, where IO-Link logic expansion is needed without changing the existing scanner.
推薦
IT/OT Convergence with MQTT
The AL1921's separate MQTT JSON interface publishes process and diagnostic data directly to IT systems without crossing the OT network, honoring the 'separation between automation network and IT network' design that ifm highlights on the product page. With one port dedicated to IT traffic, the OT network stays isolated, allowing MES or cloud consumers to receive the same machine data that the controller sees. This simplifies IT/OT convergence in mixed-protocol plants.
推薦
Retrofit of Legacy Machines with IO-Link
When retrofitting an existing machine with new IO-Link sensors, the AL1921's compact slim-line format fits DIN-rail spaces typically vacated by older analog input modules, allowing incremental IO-Link sensor migration without redesigning the entire control cabinet. Its 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs in addition to the 8 IO-Link ports let it absorb stranded discrete wiring, easing the transition from purely discrete I/O to mixed IO-Link digital topologies.
推薦
Packaging and Assembly Machine Sensor Aggregation
Packaging and assembly machines typically use a mix of photoelectric, inductive, and distance sensors; the AL1921 aggregates these through IO-Link while also exposing 8 DI/DO channels for non-IO-Link discrete devices. The EtherNet/IP uplink allows the packaging line PLC to receive aggregated process data at high cyclic rates, while the MQTT interface pushes the same data to a packaging MES for OEE tracking and predictive maintenance. The 20-30 V DC field power lets it run directly from the typical packaging-line 24 V bus.
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Process Cell Monitoring and Diagnostics
Process cells benefit from continuous health monitoring of field sensors, and the AL1921's diagnostic-data channel over EtherNet/IP and JSON output makes it suitable for centralized cell monitoring. By exposing both process data and sensor health, the module supports predictive maintenance programs that flag degrading photoelectric or inductive sensors before they cause line stoppage. With IP20 control-cabinet mounting and 24 V DC operation, it integrates naturally into process cell MCC panels.
推薦
推薦產品摘要
工程參考資料，適用於 AL1921 — 比較、設計指引及合規資訊。
選型指南
與替代品比較
| 參數 | 本產品 | AL1920 | AL1922 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | ifm efector | ifm efector | ifm efector |
| Package / Form Factor | DIN rail IP20, 50 x 105.3 x 125.7 mm | DIN rail IP20 (same family) | DIN rail IP20 (same family) |
主要差異化特點
- Dedicated MQTT JSON interface for IT/OT convergence (對比AL1920)
- 8 IO-Link Class A ports plus 8 DI / 8 DO (對比Generic 4-port IO-Link masters)
- Compact slim-line DIN-rail housing (對比Larger IO-Link master modules)
設計說明
The AL1921 is rated IP20 and is for control-cabinet mounting only; never mount it in an unprotected enclosure or expose it to dust, washdown, or moisture. Provide adequate DIN-rail space for ventilation and for routing the EtherNet/IP and IT-side Ethernet cables to physically separate switches so that the IT/OT segregation is preserved.
Do not assume the AL1920 is pin-compatible with the AL1921 - ifm explicitly notes that technical data may differ between alternative articles and accessories. When migrating an installed AL1920 to AL1921, verify pinout, accessory compatibility, and EtherNet/IP EDS file before commissioning, and re-import the IODD files for the connected IO-Link sensors.
Use separate physical networks for the automation (EtherNet/IP) port and the IT (MQTT JSON) port; do not bridge them through a shared switch unless an industrial DMZ is in the architecture. Keep the IO-Link sensor cables routed away from VFD drive cables to preserve signal integrity of the IO-Link SIO/DIQ communication.
合規資訊
RoHS compliance confirmed in distributor parametric data; CE marking per ifm product page; EU/Singapore origin import surcharge effective from 2025-05-01. No AEC-Q100 (automotive) classification applies - this is an industrial automation module.