Intelligent I/O at the Machine Edge

How Murrelektronik’s MVK Pro and IMPACT67 Pro give machine builders a flexible decentralised I/O platform.
Murrelektronik’s MVK Pro and IMPACT67 Pro combine multifunctional IO-Link connectivity, industrial Ethernet and advanced diagnostic options for decentralised automation.

Flexible connectivity for modern machines

As machine architectures become more modular and data-driven, field-level I/O must do more than transfer signals to a controller. Engineers need flexible device connectivity, efficient commissioning and diagnostic information that can help reduce troubleshooting time. Murrelektronik’s MVK Pro and IMPACT67 Pro decentralised I/O families address these requirements by bringing multifunctional IO-Link master ports and industrial Ethernet connectivity close to sensors and actuators.

Each family offers eight multifunctional IO-Link master ports. Depending on the module and configuration, ports can connect IO-Link devices or support digital input/output functions. Suitable IO-Link hubs and analog converters can extend the number and type of field signals connected to a module. A common, adaptable I/O platform can help machine builders standardise designs across equipment variants and simplify field wiring.

Industrial Ethernet and decentralised installation

MVK Pro and IMPACT67 Pro are available in variants for industrial Ethernet protocols including PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT. The protocol is determined by the selected article number. Two D-coded M12 Ethernet connections support network integration, while applicable variants use L-coded M12 power connectors for power distribution and daisy-chain installation. Exact connector arrangements, current ratings and topology requirements must be checked in the relevant product data sheet.

The modules are designed for installation outside the control cabinet, near the process. This decentralised approach can reduce the need to route individual sensor and actuator cables back to central I/O and can support modular machine layouts. Eight A-coded M12 I/O ports provide field connections, with multifunctional pin assignments that depend on the device configuration and port limits.

A housing option to suit the application

The two product families offer different housing materials. MVK Pro uses a metal housing for applications where a robust metal construction is preferred. IMPACT67 Pro uses a plastic housing for installations where that design is suitable. Both product families are fully potted and intended for demanding industrial environments. Protection ratings and environmental limits are variant-specific; confirm the exact rating, temperature range and chemical-resistance requirements against the selected article number.

Diagnostics and data beyond cyclic I/O

Machine availability depends on identifying faults quickly and understanding field conditions. MVK Pro and IMPACT67 Pro provide module and channel diagnostic information, with status LEDs and fieldbus diagnostics available according to the selected variant. Diagnostic details can help engineering and maintenance teams narrow down a fault to a module, channel or connected device, supporting a more structured troubleshooting process.

Selected monitoring functions can expose secondary operating values such as current, voltage and temperature. These data points can add context to standard cyclic process information and help users investigate abnormal operating conditions. The specific values and access methods depend on the article number, protocol and firmware.

IIoT integration and commissioning support

An integrated web interface supports access to configuration and diagnostic information. Depending on the variant and system setup, secondary data can be made available to higher-level applications through interfaces such as OPC UA, MQTT and JSON REST API. This can support integration with monitoring systems, maintenance workflows and broader industrial digitalisation initiatives without replacing the real-time control communication used by the automation system.

PROFINET variants may offer configuration workflows using IODD on Board. Murrelektronik’s AutoUpdateX can support automated, network-wide firmware updates where the selected devices and configuration are compatible. These tools can help teams establish repeatable commissioning and maintenance practices across machines.

Applications across industrial automation

The modules can be considered for machine building, automotive manufacturing, packaging, material handling and other applications that require reliable field-level communication and a flexible I/O architecture. Multifunctional ports can accommodate different signal mixes, while IO-Link connectivity supports communication with compatible intelligent sensors and actuators. Diagnostic and secondary-data access can also help connect machine-level information with maintenance and operational systems.

Selecting the right configuration

Selection should start with the required industrial Ethernet protocol and continue with housing material, connector coding, field-device signal mix, power distribution, port-current limits and environmental conditions. Confirm whether the required diagnostic and IIoT functions are supported by the chosen article number and firmware. For final engineering, use the current product data sheet and installation instructions rather than assuming every feature is available across all variants.

In summary

MVK Pro and IMPACT67 Pro give machine builders a flexible decentralised I/O platform that combines multifunctional IO-Link connectivity with industrial Ethernet and diagnostic options – helping make field-level automation easier to integrate, maintain and extend.