Renesas Electronics Corporation, a leading provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, has introduced two new products to support the fast-growing IO-Link market: the CCE4511 four-channel IO-Link master IC and the ZSSC3286 dual-channel resistive sensor signal conditioner IC. These innovations are designed to enhance communication, performance, and efficiency in industrial automation applications.
Understanding IO-Link Technology
IO-Link is a standardized digital communication protocol that connects sensors, actuators, and other devices in an automation system. It offers real-time data exchange, remote monitoring, and diagnostics, making it highly valuable for industrial automation. IO-Link also simplifies wiring, boosts data availability, and integrates smoothly with existing systems. The market for IO-Link is expected to grow by over 20% annually, reaching a projected value of USD 34 billion by 2028 (Source: Infogence Global Research). As a leader in industrial automation solutions, Renesas is committed to driving innovation in this field.
CCE4511 Four-Channel IO-Link Master IC
The CCE4511 is the industry’s first four-channel master IC designed for the IO-Link protocol, delivering 500 mA of drive current per channel. It offers significant advantages over two-channel masters by reducing energy consumption, component counts, and PCB space requirements.
The CCE4511 features:
- High-voltage interface with built-in overvoltage and over-current protection.
- Integrated IO-Link Frame Handler that automates low-level communication tasks, reducing the load on microcontrollers (MCUs). This feature enables engineers to use more affordable MCUs or free up processing power for other tasks.
- Operating temperatures up to 125°C, making it ideal for harsh industrial environments.
- Support for IO-Link Safety System Extension, with the ability to detect ready pulses from connected devices.
This IC offers an efficient solution for automating communication and monitoring between multiple devices in industrial systems. Its ability to minimize components while maximizing performance makes it an excellent choice for manufacturers seeking cost-efficient designs.
ZSSC3286 Dual-Channel Resistive Sensor Signal Conditioner IC
The ZSSC3286 sensor signal conditioner (SSC) IC is designed to deliver precise amplification, digitization, and correction of sensor signals. With IO-Link readiness built in, the ZSSC3286 integrates a compliant stack that removes the need for an additional microcontroller, reducing board space and costs.
Key features of the ZSSC3286 include:
- Compatibility with bridge and half-bridge sensors and external voltage elements.
- Advanced 32-bit ARM-based math core for digital compensation of offset, sensitivity, temperature drift, and non-linearity.
- Dual 24-bit ADCs for parallel measurement, ensuring high accuracy.
- Integrated measurement scheduler for performance optimization and advanced system diagnostics.
- Available in both 40-QFN (5mm x 5mm) and Wafer-Level Chip-Scale Package (WLCSP) formats.
With the ability to digitize and correct sensor data accurately, the ZSSC3286 is ideal for applications where high precision and sensor reliability are critical. Its built-in IO-Link support simplifies integration with smart sensor networks and reduces development complexity.
A Winning Combination: CCE4511 and ZSSC3286
Renesas has paired the CCE4511 master IC and the ZSSC3286 sensor IC with other Renesas products to create a Winning Combination—a pre-tested system architecture designed for seamless compatibility. These optimized designs help customers reduce development risks and speed up time to market.
Renesas offers over 400 Winning Combinations, including embedded processing, power, analog, and connectivity solutions, to provide customers with a range of tools to accelerate product development. To explore these system architectures, visit renesas.com/win.
Availability
The CCE4511 is currently available in a 56-QFN (8mm x 8mm) package, along with the CCE4511-EVAL-V1 evaluation kit, which can be obtained through Renesas and its authorized distributors. For more details, visit renesas.com/CCE4511.
The ZSSC3286 is also available in 40-QFN and WLCSP formats, with its evaluation kit—ZSSC3286EVK—now shipping. More information is available at renesas.com/ZSSC3286.
Conclusion
Renesas’ new CCE4511 four-channel IO-Link master IC and ZSSC3286 dual-channel sensor signal conditioner IC bring cutting-edge solutions to the IO-Link market, addressing the growing demand for smarter, more efficient industrial automation. By simplifying system designs, reducing costs, and enhancing performance, these innovative products position Renesas at the forefront of the industrial connectivity space. With ongoing support through Winning Combinations and evaluation kits, Renesas aims to help customers deploy advanced IO-Link solutions quickly and confidently.
