New 8-port IO-link reference design kit speeds network development

Linear Technology has introduced an IO-Link (IEC 61131-9) reference design kit, which includes the DC2228A 8-port IO-Link master and DC2227A IO-Link device reference designs. With over 2.19 million IO-Link nodes installed worldwide, the growing demand for larger networks is addressed by the new reference design kit, which reduces IC count, development costs and time to market. Users can quickly evaluate an end-to-end IO-Link v1.1 system, complete with all required hardware, cables and software. The DC2228A is a complete 8-port IO-Link master reference design that uses two LTC2874 quad master ICs to implement its IO-Link v1.1 physical interface (PHY), leveraging the LTC2874’s high port count and robustness - Hot Swap protected L+ supply outputs, ±50Vabs max CQ pins and 8V to 34V operation. The DC2228A conveniently operates with either an external 24V supply or a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system. An onboard dual-core NXP LPC43 microcontroller runs the DC2228A’s protocol stack, while a TEConcept software Control Tool operates the board directly from a Windows PC or remotely over Ethernet for more accurate factory floor simulation. Any IO-Link device, including the DC2227A, can connect to the DC2228A. The DC2227A is a complete IO-Link device reference design that uses an LT3669-2 device transceiver IC for communication and for powering an onboard temperature sensor, light sensor and incandescent lamp, leveraging the LT3669-2’s ±60V line protection and high current driving capabilities - a 300mA step-down regulator and 150mA LDO. An onboard Atmel SMART SAM3S series microcontroller runs the DC2227’s protocol stack, while TEConcept I/O Device Description (IODD) files support both IO-Link and SIO device operation. Any IO-Link master, including the DC2228A, can operate the DC2227A, says the company.