NEC Electronics Announces Sample Shipment of 4 New Single-Chip IO-Link Solutions

IO-Link is the new standard serial digital communications protocol used for sensors and actuators in industrial automation systems. IO-Link offers the following key advantages:
• Compatible integration into existing fieldbus or Industrial Ethernet environment
• Process, parameter and diagnosis data in one cable
• compatible cabling to existing sensor communication

One key advantage of using the IO-Link slave protocol stack offered with the NEC Electronics’ solutions is that minor upgrades could be included if the IO-Link specification is enhanced, significantly reducing development time and effort. Alternatively, designers can opt to develop and maintain their own software stacks. The transceiver integrates significant analogue components, which enable system designers to eliminate use of additional external components and develop a complete IO-Link slave product at low cost.

NEC Electronics provides an extensive product range to include a choice of memory variants all in the same device package. Developers can choose from 4 pin-compatible memory configurations in an 8mm x 8mm 56-pin QFN package making it easy to switch to a larger memory if more software is needed. Flash sizes from 32 KB to 128 KB will be available. This also allows developers to use the same PCB for multiple designs even though different amounts of software may be required. A 32 KB device can easily be replaced by a 128 KB device without having to re-design the PCB.

To support system designers in using the IO-Link single-chip solution, NEC Electronics can also provide a comprehensive development kit at lower cost than most of the other kits in the market. The 78K0R Link-It! kit is available now.

The IO-Link market is now beginning to show real promise and NEC Electronics is working with several vendors some of whom are already engaged in development projects.