---
title: IO-Link for stack lights CT5 and PC7 | Auer Signal News & Blog
description: The CT5 and PC7 signal towers from Auer Signal have expanded their capabilities and are now also available for IO-Link control.
---
[News & Blog | auersignal.com](https://blog.auersignal.com/en)
# [IO-Link for stack lights CT5 and PC7 | Auer Signal News & Blog](https://blog.auersignal.com/en/io-link-ct5-pc7)
Written by [Nadine Moravec](https://blog.auersignal.com/en/author/nadine-moravec) | Feb 9, 2024 8:19:00 AM
Auer Signal's flagship stack lights CT5 and PC7 are now available for IO-Link control.
The new [PC7MC5IO](https://www.auersignal.com/en/tower-lights/modules/pc7/pc7mc5io-io-link-base-with-integrated-5-pin-m12-plug/) and [PC7BLVIO](https://www.auersignal.com/en/tower-lights/modules/pc7/pc7blvio-io-link-base/) base modules as well as [CT5MC5IO](https://www.auersignal.com/en/tower-lights/modules/ct5/ct5mc5io-io-link-base-with-5-pin-m12-plug/) and [CT5KR1IO](https://www.auersignal.com/en/tower-lights/modules/ct5/ct5kr1io-io-link-base-with-clamp-tube-base-100-mm/) enable the implementation of our PC7 and CT5 signal towers into IO-Link communication systems. Additionally, white IO-Link bases are available for CT5 signal towers.
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| --- | --- | --- | --- |
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| PC7MC5IO IO-Link base with M12 5-pin | PC7BLVIO IO-Link base with terminal | CT5MC5IO IO-Link base with M12 5-pin | CT5KR1IO IO-Link tube base with terminal |
## Key benefits of Auer Signal IO-Link solutions
- Clever engineering in combination with highest demands on quality and design
- Most cost effective and user friendly IO-link signal tower solution on the market
- Simplest operation for IO-Link application
- Integration of IO-Link technology directly into the base
### UPGRADES FOR STEADY LIGHT MODULES
With the use of the new IO-Link bases, existing steady light modules of the PC7 (PC7DC) and CT5 (CT5DC) can benefit from the full potential of modern LED technology: The functions flashing, strobe and double strobe light can be additionally reproduced with the cost-effective standard steady light modules. This solution optimizes the procurement process, increases flexibility and minimizes the costs for you signal tower despite the highest level of functionality.
### EASIEST PARAMETERIZATION ON THE MARKET
Signaling devices are an important component in automation. For this reason, our IO-Link solution relies on the lowest possible process data with just 3 bytes for full range of functions. This low demand for process data and the particularly simple programming make it possible to maximize the potential of the surrounding automation landscape.
### IO-LINK INTEGRATION DIRECTLY INTO THE BASE
The IO-Link technology is integrated directly into the base and follows with this approach the principle of value engineering: Thus, neither an additional IO-Link module is necessary, nor is there any additional effort for assembly, order processing or stock keeping. The visual appearance of the signal tower is identical to that of a conventional tower light without IO-Link control.
### EASY CHANGE-OVER OF EXISTING SIGNAL TOWERS
Currently implemented PC7 and CT5 signal tower modules are compatible with the new IO-Link bases. A simple upgrade from conventional control to IO-Link control is easily possible. The purchase of a new signal tower is not necessary. The conventional terminal connection makes the change-over process particularly suitable for retrofits.
## Configure your IO-Link signal tower
The signal tower configurators on our website let you configure your customized IO-Link signal tower according to your requirements. You will get the selected part numbers while configurating and can download the 3D-models, save the product to your bookmarks or send an inquiry directly from the configurator to our Customer Service.
| ## [Go to PC7 configurator](https://www.auersignal.com/en/configurators/pc7/) | [Go to CT5 configurator](https://www.auersignal.com/en/configurators/ct5/) |
| --- | --- |
## What is IO-Link?
IO-Link is an automated communication system for industrial applications. The communication takes place via a standardized system (IEC 61131-9) and can therefore be used worldwide. It can also be easily integrated into existing systems.
## What does IO-Link stand for?
The abbreviation IO stands for Input and Output. Through this abbreviation it is made clear that IO-Link systems are bidirectional communication signals that are processed and controlled.
## How does IO-Link work?
As the abbreviation IO indicates, IO-Link communication systems are signals that are processed and controlled.
A central role in IO-Link communication systems play:
- IO-Link master
- IO-Link sensors
- IO-Link actuators
- Unshielded standard cable
- Software for parameterization
In an IO-Link network, the IO-Link master establishes the connection to all existing IO-Link devices (sensors and actuators). Each of these devices is connected to the IO-Link master via an IO-Link port. IO-Link is therefore not a fieldbus system, but works via point-to-point communication.
The IO-Link master receives the signals, i.e. the IO-Link protocol of the IO-Link sensors and actuators, processes them and can then transmit them back to the sensors and actuators to issue commands. This bidirectional communication works via the 3-wire connection and M12, M8 or M5 connectors.
## Advantages of IO-Link
IO-Link as a further development of conventional fieldbus systems offer a variety of advantages:
- The 3-wire technology enables communication over long distances, which is particularly advantageous in industrial plant engineering or in large buildings.
- IO-Link communication systems are fieldbus-independent and thus compatible with existing fieldbus systems.
- Particularly simple wiring thanks to unshielded three-core cables.
- In an IO-Link system, all parameter data is processed decentrally on a server and read by the master. This enables simple and fast parameterization of devices. Time-consuming parameterization on the device directly is therefore not necessary.
- Due to the decentralized system, simple remote maintenance is possible.
## What do IOD and IODD stand for?
When it comes to IO-Link systems, the abbreviations IOD and IODD often come up. They stand for devices that are integrated into an IO-Link network and for their product descriptions.
IOD = IO-Device
IODD = IO Device Description
[View full post](https://blog.auersignal.com/en/io-link-ct5-pc7)
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