Renesas Releases Two New IO-Link Enhancing Devices
Efficient IO-Link communication has helped pave the way forward for Industry 4.0 application connectivity. In an effort to support the growing demand for IO-Link solutions, Renesas Electronics Corporation, a Japanese semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, microprocessors, and various integrated circuits, has developed two new IO-Link enhancing products.
Renesas has released two new semiconductor solutions to meet the demands of the IO-Link market. Image used courtesy of Renesas
Renesas Responds to IO-Link Market Growth
IO-Link is a standardized communication protocol developed to connect sensors and actuators in industrial automation systems. It operates at the field level, providing a direct connection between devices and a master controller, typically a PLC or a field bus system. IO-Link can be used in various applications within manufacturing and automation, including in sensors (e.g., proximity sensors, temperature sensors), actuators (e.g., valves, motors), system condition monitoring, and system process automation and monitoring. IO-Link has played a crucial role in Industry 4.0 by enabling smart factories to leverage connected devices for greater efficiency and productivity.
Recently, Renesas released two new semiconductor solutions for the growing IO-Link market: the CCE4511 four-channel IO-Link master IC and the ZSSC3286, an IO-Link-ready, dual-channel resistive sensor signal conditioner IC. The new products aim to help users improve their IO-Link efficiency and usability.
A block diagram of the CCE4511 highlighting the useability of the new IO-Link master IC. Image used courtesy of Renesas
The CCE4511 for Multiple Connections
The CCE4511 Master IC supports up to four channels for connecting IO-Link devices, allowing it to manage multiple connections simultaneously. This is an upgrade from traditional two-channel systems, meaning it can handle more than one device simultaneously. Each channel can provide up to 500 mA of current, which is beneficial for powering connected devices that may require more energy.
The CCE4511 Master IC is designed to save energy and reduce the overall size of printed circuit boards (PCBs). By requiring fewer external components, the design process is streamlined and can lead to cost savings in manufacturing. It includes features like overvoltage detection and overcurrent protection, which enhance the reliability of the system by preventing damage to connected devices in case of power surges.
The CCE4511 comes with a built-in IO-Link Frame Handler that takes care of most communication tasks, helping to reduce the workload on the microcontroller (MCU), allowing it to perform other tasks, or enabling the use of a less powerful (and thus cheaper) MCU. It can also operate in demanding industrial environments, with an operating temperature range of -40 to 125 ºC.
The ZSSC3286 is a dual-path sensor signal conditioner for highly sensitive sensor signal correction. Image used courtesy of Renesas
The ZSSC3286 Signal Conditioner IC
The ZSSC3286 is a dual-channel signal conditioner IC, allowing it to simultaneously process signals from two sensors. This is ideal for applications that require multiple sensors for accurate measurements. This IC is designed for high precision in amplifying and digitizing sensor signals. It ensures that the data collected is accurate, which is crucial for most industrial applications.
The ZSSC3286 features a built-in IO-Link stack that enables easy communication with IO-Link devices. This eliminates the need for an additional microcontroller to handle communication processes, saving both space and costs in the design. It offers advanced signal conditioning capabilities, including digital compensation for:
- Offset: Corrects for any baseline errors in sensor readings.
- Sensitivity: Adjusts the output signal strength for consistent performance.
- Temperature Drift: Compensates for changes in readings due to temperature variations.
- Non-linearity: Addresses any deviations from the expected output curve.
The IC also has built-in diagnostic functions that help monitor system performance and detect issues, enhancing reliability and maintenance.
