April 18, 2011 - B&R releases POWERLINK slave for FPGAs. a real-time Ethernet connection. This uniform solution focuses on all cost-sensitive products such as extremely compact sensors with very few electronic parts, powerful drives or modular I/O bus connection modules. The Ethernet connection consists of a reference design that speeds up fast time-to-market and makes all of the features of the POWERLINK technology easy to use. The user does not need detailed knowledge of POWERLINK itself.
A simple API, which can be used with a serial port (SPI) or an 8/16-bit µC interface, is included in the delivery and allows any host processor, such as ARM, x86 or DSPs, to be connected to a POWERLINK network. Sensors with simple data links can be connected directly to the POWERLINK FPGA and do not require an external micro-controller. The FPGA solution can handle additional tasks in the application and therefore further reduce total costs. The offer is supplemented with accompanying training measures, commissioning support, a business-level maintenance package and a B&R test system for getting the new POWERLINK product up and running quickly.
"Investment security is a common concern for our customers, so we clearly differentiate ourselves from our competitor's 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," says Stefan Schönegger, Manager of the Open Automation Business Unit at B&R.
B&R company profile
B&R is the world’s largest and most successful private company in the area of automation equipment manufacturing. The motto “Perfection in Automation” has provided the foundation for the company since B&R was founded in 1979. Today, B&R employs 2,300 employees worldwide and has an exceptional global presence with more than 162 sales offices in over 68 countries. B&R Industrial Automation, Inc. North America, based in Atlanta, GA, has been working closely with their customers since 1987.
Since then, B&R North America has continuously grown as a sales and support organization through both direct sales offices and B&R’s unique Automation Partner distribution network. Today, B&R North America has a network of more than 20 offices throughout the USA and Canada and is there for its customers locally.
