Texas Instruments (TI) introduced two new devices designed to enable seamless interoperability across increasingly complex factory automation, robotics and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) systems. A multiprotocol communications system-on-module (SoM) and IO-Link master expand TI’s industrial communication portfolio, which includes software-programmable hardware and certified, production-ready software stacks that enable engineers to run any established protocol on one integrated platform.
“Industrial communication is evolving faster than ever, and engineers need a partner who can help them adapt to emerging standards and requirements,” said Karim Jamal, director of Industrial Communications Solutions at TI. “TI brings together certified hardware, software and in-house engineering expertise, supporting customers as they develop next-generation industrial automation systems that work together seamlessly across devices, networks and communication protocols.”
Built on TI’s AM2612 microcontroller (MCU) and DP83826AI Ethernet physical layer, the TICS100MOD is one of industry’s smallest fully featured, certified communications SoM that supports multiple real-time Ethernet protocols on a single piece of hardware. The SoM allows engineers to switch between EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and Profinet during boot time through a simple firmware update, future-proofing their designs as protocols evolve and making Industrial Ethernet integration easier and more cost effective. The TICS100MOD SoM integrates two Arm Cortex-R5F cores and external memory, providing enough compute performance to support fully featured protocol stacks and advanced factory automation applications in an optimized system footprint.
The TIOM2212 dual-channel IO-Link master bridges TI’s upstream multiprotocol approach to the sensor and actuator level with IO-Link connectivity, enabling engineers to connect IO-Link devices to higher-level Industrial Ethernet networks through a single platform. With advanced analog integration and built-in protection features, the TIOM2212 ensures fast, reliable data exchange between field devices. Compatible with TI’s Sitara industrial networking system-on-chip (SoC) family and AM13Ex real-time MCUs through an integrated frame handler, the TIOM2212 reduces the design complexity and costs of bridging field devices and factory control systems.
Connected factories require multiple industrial communications protocols to exchange data between diverse equipment on the production floor. Supporting multiprotocol networks typically requires separate hardware for each protocol – increasing cost, design complexity and time. Sourcing both hardware and software from a single vendor can simplify integration and customization, reduce supply-chain risk, and streamline long-term platform maintenance.
