The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), comprising an alliance of companies around the world working to promote the CC-Link IE and CC-Link technologies, announces that Renesas Electronics Corporation, a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, is opening up new market opportunities by embedding a gigabit physical layer (PHY) into its R-IN32M4-CL2 industrial Ethernet communication system-on-chip (SoC). The R-IN32M4-CL2 can now support CC-Link IE network connectivity with minimal external components, leading to simplified and cost-effective system designs. This will make it even easier for automation system manufacturers to incorporate CC-Link IE into a wide variety of products such as PLCs, variable speed drives, motion controllers and robots.
CC-Link IE is unique in offering gigabit bandwidth and as such is ideally placed to offer solutions for the data intensive applications of Industry 4.0. Moreover, it offers Ethernet-based integration of I/O, safety and motion control, all on one cable. The high-speed, wide-bandwidth communication provides safe, high-speed control while simultaneously handling non control-related data, such as quality and traceability information. Furthermore, the integration of different control requirements onto a single network simplifies system design, implementation and maintenance while reducing cost. This is further aided by a simple communication control model, and a standard Ethernet physical layer with added diagnostic functions. These performance benefits of CC-Link IE are leading to accelerated adoption of the technology worldwide.
“Our R-IN32M4-CL2 SoC supports multi-protocols including CC-Link IE and is equipped with an embedded Gigabit Ethernet PHY circuit design that does not require a related analog design,” says Niels Trapp, Senior Director, Industrial Automation Marketing Department at Renesas Electronics Corporation. “By simplifying the PHY peripheral high-frequency analogue circuit design, the SoC contributes to reduced development time, and lower bill-of-material (BOM) costs.”
Renesas’ R-IN32M4-CL2 also incorporates an ARM® Cortex®-M4 processor. The idea is that it can be the key component of a solution, rather than just an accessory part for handling communications. Hence even sophisticated devices may be implemented with the R-IN32 and a minimum of additional parts, leading to streamlined, powerful and low-cost designs.
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