IO-Link smart vibration sensor: stud-mounted module that computes v-RMS, a-peak, crest factor and temperature on board
Wired condition-monitoring sensor · MEMS element, on-board v-RMS, a-peak and crest-factor values, IO-Link process data, set-screw mounting on the bearing housing
A smart vibration sensor of this kind does the signal processing that used to sit in a separate monitor: it samples its MEMS element thousands of times a second and reports a handful of numbers, such as velocity RMS, peak acceleration, crest factor and surface temperature, plus switching outputs that trip on a limit. It is screwed into the bearing housing, plugged in with a single M12 cable, and read by an IO-Link master port, the way any other plant sensor is wired.
Wired, single-axis smart vibration sensors with an IO-Link interface that compute vibration characteristic values and temperature internally, as mounted on motor, pump and fan bearing housings. Piezoelectric and IEPE accelerometers, 4–20 mA vibration transmitters and battery wireless sensors are covered on the Vibration sensor page; complete monitoring systems with collectors and software on the Condition monitoring system (machinery) page; and the network gateways that pass sensor data to IT systems on the Industrial IoT gateway page.
CNFX editorial research · Sources checked October 12, 2026 · 3 sources
Which values the sensor computes, and over which frequency band
Two IO-Link vibration sensors from different makers publish quite different bands for the same named value, so check the band behind each number before setting alarm limits.
Editorial note: a velocity RMS figure taken over 10 to 1,000 Hz, the band Pepperl+Fuchs ties to DIN ISO 10816/20816, will not equal one taken over a wider band on the same machine, so do not mix readings from the two sensors on one trend without matching the filter settings. ifm lists a filter for v-RMS, a-RMS and a-peak among its acyclic IO-Link parameters. [2][1]
ifm's temperature accuracy is ±2.5 K plus 0.2 × (ambient temperature minus surface temperature), so the reading drifts from the housing temperature when the air around the sensor is much cooler or hotter. [1] Editorial calculation: with 25 °C air around a 65 °C bearing housing, the term is 0.2 × 40 = 8 K, giving ±10.5 K in total.
Raw 64 kHz; v-rms and a-rms 8 kHz; a-peak and crest 32 kHz; 2 s averaging for RMS values [2]
Give the machine type, running speed, bearing type and the band and value your alarm limits are written in (for example v-RMS 10 to 1,000 Hz), so the supplier can set the sensor filters to match.
02
Getting values out: IO-Link speed and cycle time, raw-data BLOB, switching and 4–20 mA outputs
The IO-Link Community describes IO-Link as point-to-point communication over the standard 3-wire sensor connection to IEC 61131-9, with M12, M8 or M5 connectors, unscreened cable, and three speeds: 4.8, 38.4 and 230.4 kBaud. [3]
Editorial calculation: 230.4 / 38.4 = 6, so COM3 runs six times the bit rate of COM2, yet ifm's minimum cycle time falls only from 11.6 ms to 3.6 ms, about 3.2 times shorter. [1][3] At 200 bytes per segment, one full 1.28 MByte raw-data block from the Pepperl+Fuchs sensor takes about 1,280,000 / 200 = 6,400 segment requests. [2]
Editorial note: the two current figures differ by a factor of more than six (< 50 mA against 320 mA max.), so check the current each master port can supply before wiring more than one of these sensors to the same master.
Class A, or Class B with 3-pole adapter or 3-wire cable [2]
State the IO-Link master and port class, whether raw time-waveform data is needed or only characteristic values, and whether the sensor must also work as a switch or 4–20 mA transmitter without IO-Link.
03
Set-screw mounting, housing and ratings on the bearing housing
ifm sells a sister model, VVB010, with the same ranges but marked for big machines above 300 kW and 600 rpm. [1]
Mechanical item
ifm VVB001
Pepperl+Fuchs VIM32
Housing
Stainless steel 1.4404 / 316L, Ø 22 × 63.55 mm, 116 g [1]
Stainless steel 1.4305 / AISI 303, Ø 23.8 × 72.5 mm, approx. 100 g [2]
Mounting and connection
Set screw ¼"-28 UNF or M8, tightening torque 8 Nm; M12 A-coded connector [1]
Plug connection, M12 thread, 4 pins; mounting thread not stated in the reviewed data [2]
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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team.
Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review
· Page last updated 13 October 2026
Buyer questions
What does an IO-Link vibration sensor send to the PLC?
Characteristic values computed in the sensor; Pepperl+Fuchs lists velocity RMS, peak and RMS acceleration, temperature, crest factor and a bearing status parameter, each with scaling and switching bits. [2]
Can it send the raw vibration waveform?
Both data sheets list BLOB transfer; Pepperl+Fuchs gives raw acceleration to 12,000 Hz in a 1.28 MByte block. [2][1]
How fast is IO-Link?
The IO-Link Community lists 4.8, 38.4 and 230.4 kBaud; ifm gives a 3.6 ms minimum cycle time at 230.4 kBaud for its VVB001. [3][1]
Sources and what still needs a direct check
Sources checked 2026-10-12. ifm and Pepperl+Fuchs publish data sheets for their own sensors; the IO-Link Community describes the interface standard its members implement.
