March 21, 2018 - The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) announced that Renesas Electronics is 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. This is designed to help automation system manufacturers to incorporate CC-Link IE into a variety of products such as PLCs, variable speed drives, motion controllers and robots.
CC-Link IE offers gigabit bandwidth and as such is 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 communication provides control while simultaneously handling non control-related data, such as quality and traceability information. This is further aided by a simple communication control model, and a standard Ethernet physical layer with added diagnostic functions.
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.
About CC-Link Partner Association
Founded in 2000, the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) is an international open network organization dedicated to the technical development and promotion of the CC-Link family of open automation networks. The CLPA's key technology is CC-Link IE, an open gigabit Ethernet for automation and a solution for Industry 4.0 applications. Its main activities include the development of CC-Link IE and CC-Link technical specifications, conducting of conformance tests, development support, and promotion of the CC-Link technologies.