Pinetek Networks Released IOL Core4 IO-Link Module
The new hardware allows Raspberry Pi users to integrate four industrial sensors into custom IoT control systems.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Semiconductors
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Pinetek Networks has released the IOL Core4 IO-Link master module, a hardware component designed for custom industrial IoT monitoring and control. The module is available in two versions and supports integration with Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 host systems.
Why it matters
This module provides a pathway for engineers to connect industrial-grade sensors and actuators directly to single-board computers. By standardizing the IO-Link interface on accessible platforms like the Raspberry Pi, it lowers the barrier for developing custom industrial monitoring hardware.
The 60 by 45 by 15 millimeter module features dual Analog Devices MAX14819 transceivers to manage four IO-Link ports. It supports a supply voltage of 24V, with a maximum current of 500mA on the L+ port and 150mA on the CQ port.
The players
Pinetek Networks
An industrial hardware manufacturer specializing in connectivity modules and IoT interface systems.
Analog Devices
A semiconductor company that produces the MAX14819 dual IO-Link master transceivers used in this module.
The details
The IOL Core4 uses a 2.54mm header to route power, logic, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication, interrupts, and chip-select signals. While the PT-1204 variant requires the host Raspberry Pi to handle the IO-Link protocol stack, the PT-1205 variant offloads this to local module hardware. Once connected, user applications communicate with the master process over TCP, enabling data transmission from industrial sensors into standard control software.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: Product launch date.
The Tech Race
The release extends the growing ecosystem of industrial add-ons for single-board computers, directly competing with proprietary PLC interface modules. It follows a trend of bringing high-level industrial protocol management to more affordable and flexible hardware platforms.
The evaluation kit is currently available for 270 euros, excluding VAT and shipping. Developers can use the device to build control systems within an operating temperature range of -25 to 60 degrees Celsius.
The takeaway
This module bridges the gap between industrial sensor networks and hobbyist-grade computing hardware. Engineers should watch for benchmarks comparing the PT-1204's host-side load against the PT-1205's local processing performance to determine which model suits their compute environment.
Further reading
For more on the hardware driving automation, see our Semiconductors section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LinuxGizmos.
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