This DigiKey demo shows how multiple industrial sensors can be combined through an IO-Link master to trigger event-based video capture. Several sensor signals are logically ORed inside the SICK SIG300 IO-Link master so that any active sensor can trigger the camera. The camera records a short clip containing one second before and one second after the trigger event. The most recent clip is then retrieved by the Kunbus PLC and continuously played on an HDMI display, allowing the operator to see the last activated sensor.
Order of Operations
- A sensor detects an event.
- The IO-Link master detects the sensor’s discrete signal.
- Internal logic in the IO-Link master combines the sensor inputs into a single trigger condition.
- The IO-Link master sends the trigger signal to the camera.
- The camera creates a video file containing one second before and one second after the trigger.
- The PLC retrieves the file over the network.
- The PLC continuously plays the most recent file on the HDMI display.
This article is part of the DigiKey Field Guide for Industrial Automation
Location: Showcase It → DigiKey Projects
Difficulty: 
Student— difficulty levels explained
Last update: 15 Jun 2026
Figure 1: Image of the sensor project on an A-frame.
Project Highlights
The section provides a high-level introduction to the technology featured on the DigiKey demo.
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The IO-Link master itself is configured to operate as a small PLC. Example graphical configuration is included as Figure 2.
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The SICK camera contains two M12 connectors. One is used for power plus trigger. The other connection is for Ethernet.
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The Kunbus PLC is based on a Raspberry PI Compute module. In this application, a Linux script pulls data from the camera and then sends it to the PLC’s HDMI display.
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Pushbuttons are included to teach in the Ultrasonic and color sensors. The radar and physics box sensors were both programmed for direct user interaction.
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A 24 VDC to 12 VDC supply is included for the LED backlight.
Figure 2: Logic editor programming window showing the drive connection to the Banner K100 beacon.
Featured DigiKey Products
These products define the core architecture of the sensor demonstration project and illustrate how a modern IO-Link master may be used to directly control discrete I/O independent of IO-Link.
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SICK SIG300 IO-Link master (PROFINET): The SIG300 forms the bridge between the PLC and the smart field devices. It is the key networking element that allows the demo to showcase practical IO-Link integration.
- PROFINET to IO-Link
- Three styles of ports including 2-wire Class-A1, 3 wire Class-A2, and high current Class-B (up to 4 A per M12 connector).
- USB programmed or controlled from PLC
- IP67
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E-T-A Solid State Circuit Breaker: The electronics circuit breaker protects the demo’s 24 VDC control system while giving the project a visible, industrial-grade layer of electronic protection.
- Semiconductor-based current limiting
- Near instantaneous response (no thermal or magnetic delay)
- Slide switch adjustable current limit
- LED status display
Supporting DigiKey TechForum Material
Learn more about the technology by exploring these closely related articles.
- Distributed Intelligence in an IO-Link System
- Radar Tank Level Measurement: Lessons from a 55-Gallon Drum Experiment
- M12 Port Hardware Myths: Common Misconceptions in Industrial IO-Link Setup Forum
Parts List
Project components available from DigiKey: