Müller MMH-IO: embeddable IO-Link micro hub for OEM equipment

Müller Industrie-Elektronik MMH-IO: an embeddable IO-Link micro hub with eight digital channels for OEM devices

Giving a compact machine module or sensor assembly an IO-Link interface often fails on space rather than on electronics. Müller Industrie-Elektronik’s MMH-IO is a small IO-Link hub board with eight digital channels, designed to be built into OEM equipment.

Eight programmable channels behind one IO-Link port

The MMH-IO bundles eight digital I/O channels and makes them available through a single IO-Link connection. Each channel is programmable as an input or output, so a device builder can collect switch states or drive simple actuators locally and pass everything to the controller over one cable.

Communication uses IO-Link COM3 at 230.4 kBd, which Müller describes as ISO-compliant. The module boots in under 300 ms. The electronics run from a 24 V DC supply and draw less than 10 mA, a figure that matters when the hub is powered from the IO-Link master port itself.

Because IO-Link is a point-to-point connection, the hub links to standard PLCs or higher-level controllers without depending on a particular fieldbus. Alongside the process data, the interface carries diagnostics such as device identification and status information, and allows digital parameterisation of the module.

Designed for integration rather than as a field device

The MMH-IO is an OEM component rather than a finished field device. It is supplied as a board of FR4 and PBT with protection class IP00, intended to be integrated into a customer’s own electronics, a sensor module or the customer’s own housing. Dimensions vary with the mechanical version. The standard electrical connection is an M12 x 1 four-pin connector; as an option, 100 mm stranded wires are available for soldered or internal wiring.

The specified operating temperature range of -20 to +85 °C covers most machine-building environments. Müller sees typical use cases in embedded applications where there is no room for additional interfaces, and in sensor and actuator connections for networked production.

Key facts

• 8 programmable digital I/O channels
• IO-Link COM3 (230.4 kBd), boot time below 300 ms
• Supply 24 V DC, current consumption below 10 mA
• M12 x 1, 4-pin, or optional 100 mm stranded wires
• IP00, FR4/PBT, -20 to +85 °C