I am designing a control system for a conveyor distribution system. I am thinking of using I/O link for all the inputs (mechanical limit switches, photoeyes, etc.). As for outputs, it would mainly be pneumatic solenoid valves and warning lights.

Is I/O link reliable enough or maybe the better question is, what is the longevity of it? This is the first time I'm using it so I would like to here some opinion (negative and positive) from some of you seasoned designers/integrators.

I looked for I/O Link pneumatic valves but all I could find were the Ethernet CMV controlled valve blocks. These will work but was curious how reliable it all is?

Also found the PAL valve blocks... These are ethernet but not I/O link. Maybe they don't make a I/O link air valve...

EDIT ...

I understand I/O Link is a communication protocol, and maybe asking about the "durability" of it wasn't the right question. I understand that it can cut down on wiring and PLC cards.

My real concern would be, I am familiar with running hard wires to/from inputs/outputs. Switching to a communication method and knowing how connection issues have plagued me in the past, I was a little wary of doing that.

Some suggestions or help would be appreciated...

EDIT 2 ...

I've been playing around with it and I like what I'm seeing so far. The latency concerns me a bit. Is this really only for slower inputs? I was hoping to use a photoeye to watch sprocket teeth for a "zero speed input" like to sense whether a chain stops or not. It may work but it doesn't seem to catch every input that I give it. I am not talking about a high speed input here...I can use a mechanical limit switch on my test panel and trigger it as fast as I can with my hand and it doesn't catch every input. Any thoughts?