Fieldbus components The range of fieldbus components offered by ifm includes gateways, IO-Link masters, RFID evaluation units and encoders. Gateways establish the connection between AS-i and common fieldbus systems such as EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet or EtherCAT. They control the data exchange to the sensor/actuator level and communicate rapidly with the superior control level. Variants with PLC functionality or fail-safe PLC are available. IO-Link masters are used for connecting IO-Link devices such as sensors, valves or binary input/output modules. They feature an integrated fieldbus interface. The range includes types for control cabinet installation and for field applications. RFID evaluation units control the data exchange to the RFID antennas and communicate with the superior control level via fieldbus. In many manufacturing and production processes, encoders have become established as reliable instruments to ensure precise positioning. They are available as singleturn or multiturn encoders with CAN or Profibus interface.