TOKYO, Japan, November 21, 2011 — Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723), a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the availability of the TPS-1 PROFINET IO (input/output) device chip and the related TPS-1 starter kit based on the signed licensing agreement with KW-Software, a company of the Phoenix Contact Group and a leading provider of industrial solutions and technologies. Through collaboration with KW-Software, Renesas provides the TPS-1 device and first level support through its sales network and KW-Software provides second level support and system support based on their competence in automation systems and software. The TPS-1 component—a single-chip PROFINET IO device interface—has been jointly developed by the companies Siemens and Phoenix Contact. KW-Software is a wholly owned subsidiary of Phoenix Contact.
The TPS-1 is a highly integrated single-chip device used to build factory and machine networks that support PROFINET, an Ethernet-based next-generation industrial protocol promoted through the PROFIBUS & PROFINET International Organization with more than 1,400 members worldwide including Siemens and Phoenix Contact, both leading vendors of industrial equipment in Germany.
KW-Software is a leading international supplier of solutions and technologies in the field of IEC 61131 industrial control, safety, and network technology. The collaboration with KW-Software enables Renesas to sell and distribute TPS-1 products and the starter kit through Renesas’ global channels to support acceleration of the adoption of the PROFINET standard.
The TPS-1 device to be sold by Renesas under the terms of the agreement is a device for Ethernet-based internal factory networks with the following features:
- Two Ethernet connection ports with integrated IRT-capable switch and PHYs.
- Built-in PROFINET industrial protocol with RT and IRT support, Conformance Class C.
- No external RAM required (reduced system-level cost).
In particular, the TPS-1 supports PROFINET IRT, which delivers the best-in-class real-time performance with the PROFINET protocol. In addition, the TPS-1 device is developed based on design concepts that include maintaining component costs at a level no higher than earlier protocols in order to lower the hurdles to converting existing equipment that supports the PROFIBUS and INTERBUS industrial protocols. Specifically, the TPS-1 device incorporates necessary memory, thereby reducing the number of additional components needed. Therefore, the TPS-1 device is ideal for applications such as compact remote I/O devices, drives and other industrial peripherals. The starter kit is available to allow a quick and easy implementation of the TPS-1 device into their systems.
Refer to the separate sheet for the main specifications of the TPS-1.
Pricing and Availability
Samples of the TPS-1 are available now, priced at €19 per piece. Mass production is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2012 in Europe, the U.S. and Japan. Renesas intends to market TPS-1 products supporting the PROFINET protocol to the Ethernet-based factory network field, a market which is expected to grow at a two-digit annual rate (Note 1).
(Note 1) Source: Renesas Electronics; figures based on comparisons.
About Renesas Electronics Corporation
Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) delivers trusted embedded design innovation with complete semiconductor solutions that enable billions of connected, intelligent devices to enhance the way people work and live. A global leader in microcontrollers, analog, power and SoC products, Renesas provides comprehensive solutions for a broad range of automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT applications that help shape a limitless future. Learn more at renesas.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
The content in the press release, including, but not limited to, product prices and specifications, is based on the information as of the date indicated on the document, but may be subject to change without prior notice.