FPGA adds Powerlink to cost-sensitive industrial products

The new Ethernet connection consists of a reference design that speeds up fast time-to-market and is said to make all of the features of the Powerlink technology easy to use; there is no need for detailed knowledge of Powerlink itself. A simple API is included, which can be used with a serial port (SPI) or an 8/16-bit interface, enabling any host processor (including ARM, x86 or DSPs) to be connected to a Powerlink network. Sensors with simple data links can therefore be connected directly to the Powerlink FPGA and do not require an external micro-controller. The FPGA can handle additional tasks in the application, thereby reducing total costs.

B&R is also offering training, commissioning support, a business-level maintenance package and a B&R test system for getting new Powerlink products up and running quickly.

Stefan Schoenegger, Manager of the Open Automation Business Unit at B&R, states: "Investment security is a common concern for our customers, so we clearly differentiate ourselves from our competitors' ASIC-based solutions by providing an open FPGA platform and manufacturer-independence. The explicit policy is that runtime licenses are not required. This is a decisive factor for many sensor manufacturers when selecting an industrial Ethernet solution."