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8-port IO-Link master

ifm AL13 series and Solidot IOL7A: an 8-port IO-Link-master comparison

Compare ifm AL1302/AL1333 and Solidot IOL7A PROFINET/EtherCAT IO-Link masters by ports, Class A, power, cycle, IP and IoT functions.

Short answer

What does this page recommend?

A technical alternative, not a drop-in substitute

Solidot IOL7A-PN01B-8A or IOL7A-EC01B-8A is a technical candidate for an 8-port IO-Link master. Do not assume identical multiprotocol, separate IoT-port, MQTT/JSON or Class-B capabilities to certain ifm AL models.

Solidot

ProControl products to evaluate first

The exact configuration is selected after engineering review.

IOL7A-PN01B-8A
Solidot

IOL7A-PN01B-8A

PROFINET, 8×Class-A IO-Link ports; official record states IO-Link V1.1.3 and IP67

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Technical comparison

Similar requirement, different architecture

The table explains product architectures; it is not an exact order-code selection.

Validation areaifm AL13xx / AL14xx IO-Link mastersSolidot / ProControl candidate
PLC networkPROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT or other networks according to AL model.IOL7A-PN is a separate PROFINET order code; IOL7A-EC is a separate EtherCAT code.
IO-Link portsPort count, Class A/B and Pin-2 function vary by exact model.The official record states 8×Class A, IO-Link V1.1.3, COM1/2/3, 0.5 A on Pin 4 and 2 A on Pin 2.
IoT layerSome ifm AL13/14 models provide a separate IoT port and MQTT/JSON interface.The current IOL7A official record does not publish a separate IoT port or MQTT/JSON, so it must not be assumed.
Device managementIODD, parameter storage, web tool and replacement workflow vary by model.IODD loading, parameter storage, configuration backup and device replacement require commissioning tests.
Field conditionsIP, M12 coding, US/UA and port power budget depend on exact model.The IOL7A official record states IP67, 18–30 VDC and -25…+70 °C; calculate total power budget from connected loads.
Suitable scenario

When is it worth evaluating?

  • New 8-port IO-Link field stations
  • Projects with a fixed PROFINET or EtherCAT network
  • Standard sensor/actuator applications without a separate IoT-path requirement
Migration gate

Before making a decision

  1. Export the exact ifm AL code and used ports.
  2. Record Class A/B, COM speed, SIO and current for each port.
  3. Add IODD and parameter-storage requirements to the test plan.
  4. Verify the PLC device file and process-data length.
  5. Test sensor replacement, short circuit and network interruption.
Frequently asked

Clear answers about alternatives and migration

Is this a drop-in replacement?

No. It is not a direct substitute until exact model, electrical, protocol-role, mechanical, software and certification checks pass.

What should I provide for selection?

The exact existing code, diagram or I/O list, PLC/network data, supply, environment and special functions in use.

Is the same Solidot model used for PROFINET and EtherCAT?

No. IOL7A-PN01B-8A is for PROFINET and IOL7A-EC01B-8A is for EtherCAT.

This content compares manufacturer-published data under the same project requirement; it does not guarantee direct substitution or project compatibility. ProControl engineering must validate exact model, revision, protocol, electrical, safety and environmental conditions.

Validate the match with an engineer

Share the exact existing code, I/O list, network and environment so we can identify the right solution without assumptions.

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