Balluff I/O Link Hubs
IO-Link sensor/actuator hubs
Flexible signal bundling Digital & analog support Selective port diagnostics
Balluff IO-Link hubs provide a flexible and cost-efficient way to bundle sensors and actuators on a machine and transmit signals via an IO-Link master. The hubs simplify wiring, reduce installation effort, and support quick maintenance thanks to standardized M12 / M8 connectivity.
Depending on the variant, IO-Link hubs can handle up to 32 digital inputs/outputs (with or without separate power supply for higher loads) or up to 8 analog input signals per IO-Link master port. Port-specific single-channel monitoring can detect short circuits, overloads, and cable breakage at the port for targeted troubleshooting.
IO-Link hubs - flexible and cost-efficient signal bundling
Choose the right line for your environment: Black, Silver, or Washdown.
What special features are available for Balluff IO-Link hubs?
Balluff IO-Link hubs combine simple installation with powerful diagnostics and add-on functions for modern automation.
Core capabilities
- Simple and cost-saving installation and maintenance
- Easy integration into existing automation systems via IO-Link
- Supports both digital and analog signals (variant-dependent)
- Up to 32 digital inputs/outputs for extensive applications (variant-dependent)
- Connector-based designs (M12 / M8) for fast wiring
Diagnostics & advanced functions
- Detects short circuit, overload, and cable break per port
- Extension port function for cascading an additional IO-Link hub
- Separate power supply available for high loads (variant-dependent)
- Condition monitoring options such as operating hours counter, temperature, vibration, or inclination (variant-dependent)
- Intelligent logic blocks for switching actuators (variant-dependent)
Selection note: Start with your required I/O type (digital vs. analog), then confirm the environment (IP rating), housing line, and any diagnostics/monitoring features you want to expose via IO-Link.
Which series are available (and how do I compare them)?
Below is a practical overview of Balluff IO-Link hub lines, including housing material, interface, typical capabilities, key functions, and environmental protection.
Technical features
Line / Environment
Black Line (Standard) Silver Line (Special) Washdown Line (IP69K)
Signals
Digital I/O Analog inputs
Diagnostics
Per-port monitoring Device discovery Vibration / temperature
Definition: An IO-Link hub bundles multiple sensor/actuator channels and communicates them through a single IO-Link master port—reducing wiring and improving diagnostics.
| Series |
Line |
Housing material |
Interface |
Key functions |
Protection |
| Standard IO-Link sensor/actuator hubs (S-BNI H BL)
General-purpose hubs for sensor/actuator signal bundling
|
Black Line |
PBT GF30, PA, PBT |
IO-Link |
Device discovery, identification, process data mapping
Vibration & internal temperature (variant-dependent) |
IP67 |
| IO-Link sensor/actuator hubs for specialized applications (S-BNI H SL)
Robust metal housing options for demanding applications
|
Silver Line |
Zinc, die-cast zinc |
IO-Link |
Device discovery, identification (incl. extended IDs)
Vibration & internal temperature (variant-dependent) |
IP67 |
| IO-Link sensor/actuator hubs for IP69K environments (S-BNI H WL)
Designed for washdown and harsh cleaning processes
|
Washdown Line |
PBT |
IO-Link |
Device discovery, selective diagnostics per port
Washdown-ready construction |
IP68 / IP69K |
Selection guidance: confirm your channel needs (digital I/O vs. analog inputs), load requirements (separate supply for high loads), then choose the right line (standard/special/washdown) and the diagnostics/condition monitoring features you want.
Where are IO-Link hubs used?
IO-Link hubs are used wherever many sensors and actuators need to be connected cleanly and diagnosed quickly—especially when reducing wiring complexity improves uptime and serviceability.
Typical applications
- Machine-mounted sensor/actuator wiring consolidation
- Modular automation cells with frequent retooling or changeovers
- Packaging, assembly, and material handling systems
- Washdown areas using IP69K-rated hub variants
Why teams standardize on Balluff IO-Link hubs
- Less wiring by bundling multiple channels via one IO-Link port
- Faster diagnostics with port-specific monitoring
- Flexible scaling via extension/cascading (variant-dependent)
- Right fit with Black, Silver, and Washdown line options
Short definition: An IO-Link hub aggregates multiple sensor and actuator signals and transfers them through IO-Link—ideal for compact, service-friendly machine wiring.
FAQ: Balluff IO-Link hubs
Quick answers to help you choose the right hub line and configuration.
An IO-Link hub bundles multiple sensor/actuator channels close to the machine and communicates them via a single IO-Link master port—reducing wiring, speeding installation, and simplifying troubleshooting.
Yes—depending on the variant, you can manage up to 32 digital inputs/outputs or up to 8 analog input signals per IO-Link master port. Select the hub based on your required channel type and count.
Many variants provide port-specific single-channel monitoring to detect short circuits, overloads, and cable breaks at the port. Some versions also offer condition monitoring options such as temperature and vibration (variant-dependent).
Choose Black Line for standard machine environments, Silver Line for specialized applications requiring robust metal housings, and Washdown Line where frequent cleaning demands IP69K protection.