Renesas’ RZ/N2L MPUs for Industrial Ethernet Simplify Implementation of Network Functionality in Industrial Equipment
Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) unveiled the RZ/N2L microprocessor units (MPUs) designed for Industrial Ethernet communication, facilitating real-time connectivity in industrial applications. The RZ/N2L integrates a TSN-compliant 3-port Gigabit Ethernet switch and supports major protocols, enhancing factory automation. With a maximum frequency of 400 MHz, it allows connection to host CPUs, minimizing changes to existing systems. Renesas focuses on addressing development burdens while promoting Ethernet adoption in the automation sector.
- Introduction of RZ/N2L MPUs enhances factory automation capabilities.
- Supports the fast-growing TSN standard for improved real-time communication.
- Integration of multiple industrial communication protocols boosts product versatility.
- Designed to minimize system modifications, reducing development time and costs.
- None.
Integrated TSN-Compliant 3-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch Supports High-Precision Real-time Communication
(Graphic: Business Wire)
By using the RZ/N2L as a companion chip complementing the host CPU, customers can add Industrial Ethernet functionality to their equipment without major changes to its internal configuration. This enables customers to develop industrial equipment utilizing rapid and precise synchronized control for factory automation.
“Revising the full design of equipment in order to implement Industrial Ethernet functionality creates a substantial development burden in terms of both time and cost,” said Hitoshi Shirakabe, Vice President of the Industrial Automation Business Division at Renesas. “To address this challenge, Renesas developed the RZ/N2L, which is optimized as an add-on to existing systems. I am confident that it will enable customers to quickly deploy cutting-edge industrial networks with minimal system modifications.”
“I anticipate that the RZ/N2L, which supports the fast-growing TSN standard, will further accelerate the spread of Ethernet in the factory automation market,” said
Optimized as a Dedicated Networking Companion Chip
The RZ/N2L has both parallel and serial host interfaces that connect to the host CPU for external applications. This allows direct connection between the RZ/N2L and the CPU for high-speed access. In addition, the external CPU can directly access communication data stored in the system RAM of the RZ/N2L. Since the RZ/N2L can perform network processing independently of the external CPU, Industrial Ethernet can be added to systems without the need for major changes to the existing application software.
Remote I/O, Sensor Hub, Inverter, and Gateway Supported on a Single Chip
RZ/N2L is built around the Arm® Cortex®-R52 with a maximum operating frequency of 400 MHz. It integrates large capacity ECC RAM and peripheral functions such as a delta-sigma interface, A/D converter, and PWM timer, allowing the RZ/N2L to be used as a standalone device to develop applications such as remote I/O, sensor hubs, and inverters. The UART and CAN functions enable the RZ/N2L to serve as a gateway for converting from a fieldbus based on RS485 or CAN to Industrial Ethernet.
Functional Safety Support
The RZ/N2L can also be used as an MPU that supports functional safety. Renesas’ functional safety solutions such as self-diagnostic software for the RZ/N2L, functional safety platform software soon to be offered by Renesas and secure networks can reduce the time and workload associated with development. Renesas plans to release a functional safety solution for the RZ/N2L in 2023.
Winning Combinations with RZ/N2L
Renesas has released two new Winning Combinations with working PoC (proof of concept) boards using the RZ/N2L. These solutions use complementary Renesas devices that work together seamlessly. The Gigabit Industrial Ethernet SOM Solution uses Renesas power management ICs, photocouplers, EEPROM and other mixed signal devices to provide a configurable industrial Ethernet in SOM + Carrier board architecture. This solution has two Gbit Ethernet interfaces and Pmod & Arduino interfaces to build a system with different peripherals. It also uses a single configurable power supply to support different RZ MPUs. The 220V AC Servo Solution integrates motor control and EtherCAT to provide high-speed and high-precision motor control through time-sensitive industrial Ethernet communications. It includes a physically isolated motor encoder, power drive and system control blocks with high degree interconnect. Using this monolithic solution helps reduce bill of materials cost, when compared to a two-chip system that handles motor control and EtherCAT separately.
Renesas provides these solutions together with reference circuits, Gerber, and sample program code to accelerate product development. Renesas Winning Combinations have technically vetted system architecture from mutually compatible devices that work together seamlessly to bring an optimized low-risk design for a faster time to market. Renesas offers more than 300 Winning Combinations with a wide range of products from its portfolio. They can be found at https://www.renesas.com/win.
Availability
The RZ/N2L MPUs are available now. For further information, please visit: https://www.renesas.com/rzn2l.
Renesas Starter Kit+ for RZ/N2L, which is ideal for initial evaluation of applications, is also available today. To find out more, visit www.renesas.com/rskrzn2l.
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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220809005404/en/
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