Arrow Electronics Introduces Powerlink Solutions for Industrial Ethernet

Along with EPSG (Ethernet Powerlink Standardisation Group), Altera, Freescale and other partners, Arrow Electronics is introducing a new Ethernet Powerlink solution at the SPS/IPC/DRIVES trade fair in Nuremberg (22.11. to 24.11.2011). With the Powerlink evaluation xKit, developers can create a Powerlink master for automation systems control. This is particularly useful for developers who do not want to rely on complex and powerful PLCs. In addition, the xKit enables Powerlink slaves development - an offer primarily aimed at end-device manufacturers. Arrow is introducing the Powerlink solution at the EPSG booth (6-114/6-115) and the Altera booth (6-111). The solution will also appeal to companies that aim to enter the market for Ethernet-based automation technology. The board for the Powerlink master is based on the i.MX515 Multimedia Application Processor with ARM Cortex A8 technology from Freescale. Despite its advanced processing capacities, the high-performance CPU is distinguished by its low power consumption. Data exchange is controlled by the Powerlink stack. A software image for Linux with a Powerlink master driver is also included. The heart of the solution for the Powerlink slave is BeMicro RTE (Real Time Ethernet), hardware developed by Arrow and Altera for testing SOPC technology. This is the third version of the ‘plug--and play' USB stick, following on from the BeMicro SDK, which was launched in 2010. The board's equipment includes an FPGA design, software and corresponding documentation. The xKit contains two BeMicro RTE sticks. In collaboration with the company SYS TEC electronic GmbH, Arrow is also offering a two-day workshop. Ethernet Powerlink is an open standard in accordance with IEEE 802.3 for real-time data transmission in automation systems. Important components are a PLC (master) and devices for connection during the production process, such as I/O modules, sensors, actuators and motors (slaves). The standard was created by the company Bernecker & Rainer (B&R) and developed further by the Powerlink consortium EPSG. www.arrow.com