Release Notes

1.63.2

July 31, 2024

Added

  • With the new function Scan by Ping (can be activated in the user settings), an extended search for IO-Link network modules can now be started with BET . This means that IO-Link network modules can also be found across gateway boundaries.

Modified

  • Firmware update: A firmware update of IO-Link network devices or IO-Link devices could be started by any user with Admin or Expert authorization even if the PLC lock was activated. An additional authorization to bypass the PLC lock is now required for these users. Otherwise, a firmware update can only be carried out if no active PLC is detected. #194579

Fixed

  • Crash when changing the view during a firmware update or the tabs in the USB configuration menu has been fixed. #195899 #195907

  • Some errors when updating the firmware of IO-Link devices and IO-Link network modules have been fixed.

  • When updating the firmware of several IO-Link network modules at the same time, it could happen that the devices logged off automatically during the waiting time. This error has been fixed. #195348

  • Occasionally a device (BCM R16E-004-CI02-01) could not receive a firmware update in bootloader mode. This error has been fixed. #195913

  • The current firmware could not be saved if the PLC lock was activated. Now users with the appropriate rights can correctly update devices with an active PLC lock. #195339

  • Occasionally, some devices in a large topology were not updated during a simultaneous firmware update, but were displayed as updated in the result. This error no longer occurs. The result of the firmware update now corresponds to the actual status. #195338

  • A simultaneous firmware update for more than six BNI00HL devices occasionally failed. This error has been fixed. #195348

1.63.0

April 30, 2024

Added

  • BET becomes freeware. You now have access to all functionalities with BET:

    • The export of logs is license-free.

    • There are now no restrictions on copying parameters between devices.

    • You also do not need any licenses to import topologies.

    • The restriction for network modules in the topology has been removed. You can now operate several network modules at the same time.

    • Parameter sets can now be created by anyone.

    • It is possible to set IP addresses for third-party devices.

    • The use of network modules from other manufacturers in the topology is now possible for everyone.

    • It is no longer necessary to install Codemeter for licensing.

  • Update firmware of IO-Link devices via USB master

    • The firmware of Balluff IO-Link devices can now also be updated via the USB Master BNI00K0 if the devices support this function.

Modified

  • User management now offers more flexibility

    • You now have the option of deactivating or reactivating the login to the BET with “User name” and “Password” in the settings. This makes it easier to use in the laboratory or on the PC. If user management is deactivated, you always have all rights.

  • The BTL configurator is now easier to use.

    • Tooltips have been added for better understanding.

    • Some visual improvements have been made.

  • Installer

    • Portuguese (BR) can now be selected as the installation language.

  • Firmware update

    • A new standard format (BUP) for FW update information has been introduced. The old format is still supported.

  • Updating IO-Link devices via USB master

    • If the IODD for a device was not found during a firmware update, the IODD, if available, is automatically downloaded and installed via the IODD finder.

  • Parameterization of IO-Link devices

    • TimeT and TimeSpanT data types are now supported by BET . They can now be read and written correctly.

Fixed

  • Problems occasionally occurred when writing the parameters of a BTL from an imported topology. Some imported parameters could not be written. This problem has been fixed. #159335

1.62.0

January 24, 2024

Added

  • Configuring IO-Link devices via USB master

    • With the BET , you can now also configure IO-Link devices via USB master from Balluff . The new function IO-Link via USB is available in the function bar of BET for this purpose.

  • Updating IO-Link devices via USB master

    • Update your IO-Link devices via the USB master from Balluff. Available for Balluff devices and devices from third-party manufacturers.

  • Connection to the Balluff update platform

    • New firmware for Balluff devices is now available via the Balluff update platform, to which BET can connect and download firmware.

  • BTL configurator for BTL analogue/IO-Link devices with IO-Link parameterization

    • Set up BTL sensors of generation C1 and BIR sensors with IO-Link interface and analog outputs with the new configurator. The configurator offers visual support when parameterizing the position, difference or speed for one or two outputs. You can transfer the changed parameters directly to the device.

  • Read all parameters from devices via topology overview

    • With the Read all parameters function, you can synchronize the parameters of all field devices with the topology in BET with a single click. This provides you with the latest values quickly and easily and gives you an overview of the status of the topology.

  • Update all IODDs via topology overview

    • From the topology overview, you can search for the IODDs for unknown devices and install them automatically.

  • HTTPS support for Balluff-IO-Link network modules

    • Use more security in communication with HTTPS. The BET supports the workflow for HTTPS in all IO-Link network modules that support this protocol.

  • Update of IO-Link devices from third-party providers

    • The BET now also enables firmware updates for third-party IO-Link devices.

  • Interface and user manual available in Portuguese

    • For our customers and users in Brazil, BET is now also available in Portuguese.

Modified

  • Before updating the firmware of IO-Link devices or IO-Link network modules, authentication is checked on the network modules. As a user, you can still log in to devices that you have not logged in to before the update.

  • A topology import offers the option of reading all non-writable parameters from the field devices and thus synchronizing the topology data in BET with that in the field devices.

Fixed

  • Restoring the topology now works even if a user has been logged out of BET due to prolonged inactivity. #132577

  • A scan process with simultaneous operation of BET and the “Siemens Proneta” tool no longer fails. #132887

  • The process data visualization for devices with process data < 1 byte now works correctly #133048

  • When writing parameter sets, only the changed parameters in the set are written to the device and not all parameters #49920

  • Writing process data with BVS Ident also works in bytes 1 and 32 #123403

1.61.0

13 September 2023

Added

  • Self update:

    • If the BET has access to the Internet, it automatically checks for updates after each start. If a newer version is found, you will be informed and can decide whether you want to install the new version.

  • Connection to the Balluff Update Center

    • If the BET has access to the Internet, new firmware files for the Balluff devices can be easily searched for and downloaded.

  • Firmware update

    • All Balluff IO-Link network modules that support the update can be updated via the firmware update.

    • Via the firmware update, Balluff IO-Link devices that support the update can be updated individually or collectively.

    • Firmware update for all Balluff devices - now also possible with basic license.

    • You can always see which firmware files are available, delete files that are no longer needed or make them available to colleagues via export.

    • Both the parameters of the IO-Link devices and the settings of the network modules can be saved before an update. The user has the option of restoring the parameters/settings completely or partially via a new comparison window.

    • An update of a device is entered in the log of BET .

Modified

  • About Dialog

    • In the newly designed dialog you will find all information about your BET license and open source licenses in a simpler and clearer way.

    • Better information about the status of your licenses in the About dialog.

  • Device search

    • The search for Profinet devices has been improved. The BET can now find Profinet devices even if NpCap or WinPcap is installed.

    • New option: “Load all parameters from devices” - this allows you to easily transfer all field device parameters to BET .

  • Import topology

    • New option: “Load read-only parameters from devices” - this allows you to transfer all parameters that can only be read from the devices, e.g. operating hours, from the field devices to BET after the parameters have been written to the devices from the topology import.

  • Parameter sets for devices can now also be saved and loaded with a basic license.

  • Ethernet IP devices: You get an information which device needs a reboot after changing the IP address.

Fixed

  • Multiple filtering in tables:

    • Multiple filtering in tables such as log or device list is now possible.

  • Device Status

    • The legend for the device status is displayed again completely with colors.

  • Network settings for offline network modules

    • Via the settings of a network module you can change the IP address of a device, and thus complete your planning.

  • Installing the BET: The installer now contains the package for Profinet communication. If you want to use devices with Profinet, you must install this package with admin rights.

  • Uninstalling the BET: In older versions, not all files were removed when uninstalling BET , which could lead to errors when logging in.

  • IO-Link device connection is interrupted when writing some parameters. (#19639)

  • If an Ethernet network module is scanned a second time after the network connection of this device has been disconnected, the device is no longer found. (#59677)

  • After importing a toplogy that is also pysikalish at import time, it may happen that statuses of individual devices are not displayed correctly. (#3228)

  • The network adapters cannot be found in rare cases. (#132567)

  • BCM sensor shows read errors for contact temperature, humidity and ambient pressure: parameters greater than 160 bits cannot be read or written completely. (#132594)

1.60.2

30 May 2023

Fixed

  • For BNI00HM network modules, the connection status of the connected IO-Link devices is displayed correctly without disturbing the operation of the BNI00HM.

1.60.1

24 may 2023

Added

  • New description files for IO-Link network modules with corrected Product IDs.

  • New description files for Balluff IO-Link devices available.

  • Extended support for BNI00HL FW 1.1.4 and BNI00HM FW 4.8.4

    • Detection of the devices

    • Reading out the identification data and port settings

    • Changing the port settings

    • Visualization and parameterization of the connected IO-LInk devices

    • Reading the identification data

    • Firmware update for FW >=1.1.4 or greater FW 4.8.4

    • See known issues

Modified

  • For Balluff IO-Link Master BNI007C with firmware version >= 4.7.2: Process data length of the IO-Link ports is now always 10 bytes

  • BNI007C Firmware version >= 4.7.2 Write parameters possible

  • Find devices function: Authentication process simplified

Fixed

  • Correction of Product IDs in some description files for Balluff IO-Link Master

  • Find devices function: Function now also usable on screens with 16:9 format or lower resolution.

  • Find devices function: The text input field for the IP address range in the scan now works correctly.

  • Compatibility Murr IO-Link Master MVK Pro/ ImpactPro: Devices at port 0 are displayed correctly.

1.60.0

13 March 2023

Added

  • NEW FEATURE: Guided workflow for firmware updates of Balluff replacement network modules.

  • NEW FEATURE: Authentication overview: Simplified authentication on IO-Link network modules as well as the possibility to manage authentication data.

  • NEW FEATURE: Interactive configurator for Balluff-BCM devices to generate device parameters.

  • Automated search, import and update of IODDs for devices for which no IODD is available in the catalog.

  • Support for third-party IO-Link network modules.

Modified

  • Improved table views in topology overview, log and device list. This results in better usability and also provides more functionality.

  • The network configuration has been completely revised and has extended setting options.

  • The topology import has been completely revised and has additionally been extended with a device alignment.

  • The “Find Devices” function has been completely revised and you can now search specifically for Profinet and Ethernet/IP devices. Devices are detected more reliably and faster.

  • The installation process has been simplified, and third-party packages are now installed by the user.

  • The parameter comparison of IO-Link devices has been improved.

Fixed

  • Many cosmetic changes for improved use of the user interface.

  • Errors that previously led to whitescreen errors now result in a controlled shutdown of the BET, whereby the last working state can be restored at the subsequent start.

  • Restoring a topology is now more stable.

  • stabilizations in the main view, the import and export of a topology, the parameter comparison, the network settings and the IO check.

  • The status display on the main interface now shows the correct status of the respective device.

  • Many issues that caused whitescreen errors have been fixed.

  • The IP address in devices on the main interface is now always visible.

1.58.4

26 July 2022

Fixed

  • Topology import: In some cases, the BET had a whitescreen error when importing topology files from older BET versions. The BET now imports these files correctly, regardless of which BET version was used for the export. (BUG-55093)

  • Scan: If you already had a topology and wanted to add more IO-Link network modules and I/O-Link devices with a scan, it could happen that already existing connections between the IO-Link network modules and the devices were deleted. This is now fixed and existing connections remain stable. (BUG-54841)

  • Topology: Updating the topology by clicking Update in the topology context menu did not update the topology. This bug has been fixed.

  • Device details: In the detail view of generic devices, the port selection elements are now placed correctly. (BUG-328737)

  • Scanning: In the scan view, the sorting mechanism had an incorrect behavior, now it works correctly. (BUG-328742)

  • User management: The user management had some shortcomings in the operation. These have been fixed and the styling is now correct. (ERROR-19842, ERROR-19649, ERROR-19945)

  • Settings: It was possible to enter negative values in the timeout field. Entering zero or negative values would have resulted in not being able to log in to BET . Now you can only enter valid values. (BUG-21246)

  • Update topology: When trying to detect newly connected devices by clicking the Update button, the topology and its port configuration were not detected correctly (each IO-Link device was connected to the same port on a single IO-Link network module). Now the newly detected devices are added and the rest remains the same. (BUG-39233)

  • IO-Link specification: The “deviceModifiesOtherVariables” attribute is now supported. This leads to better stability when writing parameters. (BUG-42064)

  • IO-Link specification: Writing of subindex parameters is now supported. For some devices, such as BTLs, it is necessary to write some parameters via subindex, not as whole parameters. (BUG-41712)

1.58.1

February 10th, 2022

Added

  • NEW FEATURE: Automatic saving and restoring of topology. Topologies can now be restored when the BET is restarted. (US-295840)

  • NEW FEATURE: Device comparison. Comparison between devices and parameter sets in different situations. (US-303989]

  • NEW FEATURE: Topology overview (US-309001)

  • NEW FEATURE: Network licenses (US-312130 + S-312132)

  • NEW FEATURE: Copy device with parameters (US-312315)

  • NEW FEATURE: Access to parameters via ISDU (US-317037)

  • NEW FEATURE: Parameter server handling (US-321094)

  • NEW LANGUAGE SUPPORT: ZH, PL, CZ, ESP, FR, JP, IT

  • Support for BALLUFF HW8 generation network blocks. (US-289604)

  • Octet string parameter support. (US-308455)

  • Float32T parameter support. (US-216422)

  • When saving a topology, the file name will also be the topology name. (US-273260)

  • When closing BET , the user is asked if unsaved changes should be saved. (US-273304)

  • The user role “User” can now import topology without writing parameters. (US-289558)

  • The new version of Codemeter is included in the installation package. (US-289552)

  • More context information is displayed when updating the topology. (US-295839)

  • Updating a single IO-Link network module detects newly connected devices and adds them to the topology. (US-295842)

  • The TCP port of the BET can now be set in the application itself or via the command line. (US-308457 + US-308456)

  • PLC lock can now be deactivated for each user via the user administration. (US-303988)

  • When a topology is imported, the PLC lock is ignored. (US-309762]

  • The BNI web server is now displayed by an Internet browser. (US-309760]

  • Updating IODDs for multiple devices is now supported. (US-317041)

  • Scan & Update IODD - Product ID is no longer mandatory. (US-316554)

Modified

  • The “search/find devices” function has been completely revised. It is safer, clearer, more individual and customizable and, above all, faster.

Fixed

  • The topology is now displayed correctly if individual IO-Link network modules cannot be communicated. These are then simply not displayed. (BUG-12407)

  • When installing the BET , a warning appears that the DB is older than September 10, 2021. (BUG-341301)

  • Wrong mouse pointer text for edited fields The icons are now correct. (BUG-315602)

  • After uploading a parameter to an IO-Link device, the parameter server upload flag is always set. (US-301824)

  • The user attribute “Ignore PLC lock” is enforced without logging in again. (BUG-3565]

  • Some devices take longer to respond to the connection status question. They then disappeared from the topology. We have stabilized this process.(BUG-344331)

  • After the initial installation of BET , the creation of an administrator account now works correctly. (BUG-345976)

  • IO-Link network module Topology update: The connection status of IO-Link devices is also updated. (ERROR-3564 + ERROR-3563)

  • The warning text for disabling the PLC lock is now correct. (BUG-3227)

  • Inserting parameters into offline devices is now possible. (BUG-328711)

  • Updating the IODD is now possible for multiple devices. (BUG-325122)

  • Updating devices that were connected to a deleted IO-Link network module no longer causes a crash. (BUG-317422)

  • Opening the detail view directly after importing a topology from the scan no longer causes a crash. (BUG-316716)

  • Conditional parameters are fully supported. (BUG-311607)

  • Generic device removed from device catalog. (Error-305173)

  • Continuous device status checks were disabled when no devices are present. (BUG-301872)

  • Device list does not show attributes of old devices. (BUG-301870)

  • When importing an old topology, the application no longer crashes. (BUG-301314)

  • When working with the “User” role, the creation of a new topology is faster. (BUG-301313)

  • Process data with condition are now displayed correctly for offline IO-Link devices. (BUG-273306)

  • When hovering the mouse over the icons in the detail view, the text is now displayed correctly. (BUG-272907)

  • Tab highlighting in the device details view now works correctly. (BUG-272267]

  • After importing parameters set in the detail view, all changed parameters are now visible. (BUG-272265]

  • Ports can no longer be set when a PLC is connected. (BUG-272231)

  • Dropdowns on the Process Data tab are now displayed correctly. (BUG-272041)

  • Export/Import of BNI EIP 527 does not cause crashes in Masterdetail and IO-Check. (BUG-269670)

  • Soft hard time out now works correctly. (BUG-269454)

  • Creating a new topology and saving the old topology now works correctly. (BUG-269428)

  • When clicking on new topology, the dialog for importing the topology no longer appears. (BUG-269427)

  • Invalid device catalog filter attributes are no longer generated when importing IODDs. (BUG-269313)

  • Scanning with invalid IP ranges is no longer possible. (BUG-268764)

  • Running IO check and updating process data at the same time is no longer possible to avoid crashes. (BUG-263931)

  • When importing a topology with parameters, devices not found are skipped and displayed as not connected. (BUG-)254679

  • defaultValue is now parsed for DatatypeRef RecordItems. (BUG-253749)

  • The tooltip is now displayed in the IO-Link network module detail view when the user clicks on the other tabs. (BUG-253325)

  • Device details are now displayed in the IO CHECK window for imported topology. (BUG-242232)

  • BET no longer crashes when closing notifications. (BUG-241936)

  • Scan topology: Turning on all IO-Link ports is now unchecked after deselecting the network adapter. (BUG-241035)

  • When reading parameters in the detail view, the cancel button is inactive for a few seconds to avoid disturbing the device attributes. (BUG-235984]

  • Better information about errors during topology import. (BUG-235176)

  • Styling adjustments in the detail view. (BUG-207887]

  • When saving a topology, the file extension .zip is automatically appended. (BUG-190201)

  • Detail view: The names of tabs and headings are now translated correctly. (BUG-160319)

  • Activity log: The date and time format now conforms to the Balluff Style Guide. (BUG-137450)

  • Activity log: connection messages are now correct. (BUG-136884]

  • The license is now recognized after the initial installation. (BUG-263695)

  • Scan: Importing a topology after deleting devices on the topolopgy screen no longer results in a whitescreen error. (BUG-305914)

1.57.20

June 9th, 2021

Added

  • The user can now set a timeout for automatic logout. #269461

  • IO-Link 1.1.3 Support #63403

  • Support for nested IODD menu functions. #265491

Fixed

  • The license is now recognized after the initial installation. #263695

  • Soft/Hard Timeout: Soft-Hard Timeout does not work properly. #269454

  • Export/import of bni eip 527 causes crash in masterdetail and IO check. #269670

  • Give information about the mode of an IO-Link event from the master web server log. #272263

  • Detail view: After clicking on the load parameter set, the details are not displayed until the user clicks on the WRITE INTO DEVICE button #272265.

  • Setting of ports possible with PLC connected and master data not updated. #272231

  • Detail view: Loading the device details in the detail view fails when first opened via port navigation in the detail view. #272906

  • IO check: BET crashes when clicking READ in PROCESS DATA while the update process is running. #263931

  • iodd file import results in creation of invalid empty vendor in catalog filter modal. #269313

  • Process data with condition is not displayed correctly for an offline IO-Link device. #273306

  • Device detail view: tab highlighting is missing. #272267

1.57.17

April 22nd, 2021

Fixed

  • License is not recognized during installation. #263695

1.57.15

March 15th, 2021

Added

  • Support of the new REST api for HW7/HW8 IO-Link network modules. #241959

Fixed

  • FINDING #295: Support IODDs with conditional menu refs. #242228

  • FINDING #243: Crashes when switching between tabs. #233824

  • Device list: After disabling all header options, the down arrows are displayed even though no data is displayed. #227681

  • IO check: Error details in the IO check window. #225463

  • FINDING #288: Images for some third-party devices are not available. #242322

  • FINDING #302: Incorrect topology import. #241960

  • Scan topology: The application freezes and crashes when the user tries to scan with IP range 0.0.0.0. #241160

  • FINDING #296: Automatic focus on username/password when logging in. #242302

  • FINDING #56: IO-Link network modules from other IP ranges are scanned. #233280

  • FINDING #244: Parameter not available in “Load Parameters” dialog. #233825

  • Translation/Text Corrections #237358

  • FINDING #56: IO-Link network modules from other IP ranges are scanned. #233280

  • Translation/Text Corrections #237358