New Product Launch | Thermocouple-Input IO-Link Sub-Modules

New Product Line Designed for Industrial Temperature-Control Applications

In high-temperature heat-treatment equipment, the temperature-acquisition module is a key part of process control. For sintering furnaces and other scenarios that require numerous thermocouple points of different types, SENTINEL has launched three IO-Link thermocouple-input sub-modules that support K-, C- and J-type thermocouples respectively: SIOL-M12-8TCK, SIOL-M12-8TCC and SIOL-M12-8TCJ.

These products are aimed at users who need standardized installation, stable communications and multi-channel temperature measurement. They suit equipment such as metal-powder sintering furnaces, high-temperature ceramic production lines and vacuum heat-treatment systems, helping centralize temperature-data management and simplify on-site wiring.

Product Functions and Interface Overview

Each sub-module offers eight thermocouple inputs, all using a standard five-pin M12 connector, and is fully compatible with IO-Link V1.1 (Class A devices). Key parameters and features include:

• Supported thermocouple types
  • SIOL-M12-8TCK – K-type (–200 °C … 1370 °C)
  
  
  • SIOL-M12-8TCC – C-type (0 °C … 2300 °C)
  
  
  • SIOL-M12-8TCJ – J-type (–200 °C … 1200 °C)
  
  


• Input accuracy: ±0.2 % FS, process-data output in °C


• Communication speed: COM2 (38.4 kbps)


• Interface standard: M12 A-coding; Class A IO-Link device


• Operating-temperature range: –20 °C … 55 °C


• Identical housing dimensions for unified wiring, replacement and inventory


• LED status indicators for input-channel state, communication status and power

Product connection and operation demo:

Application Background and Use Cases

In typical sintering equipment—such as multi-zone or vacuum sintering furnaces—these sub-modules support a wide distribution of temperature points with minimal wiring complexity, while an IO-Link master enables centralized communication and unified management.

• K-type sub-module – suited to general mid-/high-temperature sintering


• C-type sub-module – ideal for very-high-temperature material sintering or plasma heat-treatment processes


• J-type sub-module – used for low-temperature monitoring or auxiliary-zone sampling

Existing IO-Link users can add these modules without changing system architecture, integrating and commissioning them quickly with IO-Link configuration tools. Users planning digital upgrades can standardize their temperature-acquisition interface now and build a foundation for future expansion.

Product Positioning and Future Support

The SIOL-M12-8TC thermocouple sub-modules are aimed at equipment OEMs, system integrators and factory-automation users, addressing challenges such as mixed thermocouple types, complex signal wiring and scattered module management. Built on a philosophy of simple structure, practical functions and transparent parameters, they are designed for long-term, stable operation in industrial environments.

We will continue to refine module functions based on customer feedback and plan to release versions that support additional thermocouple types or mixed inputs, gradually expanding our temperature-acquisition product line.

Customer Support and Services

For more information on SENTINEL products, please contact our sales team or call +86 22 8372 6972. You can also visit the official website at www.sentinel-china.com, where you will find comprehensive product information, selection guides, CAD and E-plan files, configuration files and tutorials—everything you need at your fingertips.

Our professional technical team is always ready to provide customized support and efficient after-sales service, ensuring every customer obtains the maximum benefit.