Renesas Electronics Simplifies Integration for Industrial Ethernet with Intelligent RJ45 Module Solution

Düsseldorf, February 27, 2018 – Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced its latest industrial Ethernet module solution, the I-RJ45, which incorporates a single- or dual-port RJ45 connector and simplifies integration for industrial Ethernet by supporting various industrial network slave applications including sensors and transmitters, gateways, operator terminals and remote I/O. The solution comprises an intelligent RJ45 module that comes with qualified embedded software to support multiple industrial Ethernet protocol stacks. The software package and sample codes provide system manufacturers with a complete set of tools and frameworks to build their application without any additional up-front costs or complexity. This accelerates prototyping, reducing the time needed for industrial network protocol integration efforts up to three months.

The I-RJ45 module solution is a ready-to-use hardware and software solution that includes a pre-certified PROFINET® implementation and can be used for mass-produced applications. Renesas plans to support other industrial protocols including EtherCAT® and EtherNet/IP™ in the future. With a general application programmable interface (API), the application can easily be connected to the protocol software and offers a seamless integration path to other Renesas ASSP solutions. The single-port version is based on the RX64M microcontroller (MCU) Group and the dual-port module solution includes the R-IN32M3 industrial Ethernet communication chip.    

Renesas also offers a solution kit version of the module solution that exists of a single or dual-port industrial Ethernet module soldered on an adapter board for development. This adapter board provides standard Arduino and Pmod interfaces, which enables it to connect to other Renesas MCU development boards including Renesas Synergy™ and RX. The Ethernet module solution kit also includes a quick start up guide, a USB cable and a CD with software and documentation.

Key features of the I-RJ45 module solution

Simplifies industrial protocol integration

The industrial Ethernet module solution is a ready-to-use solution that is pre-certified for PROFINET. Renesas will provide the source code for application examples for the Synergy S7 Starter Kit as well as the source for the PROFINET GSD files. The extensive tool chain drastically simplifies integration and enables a clean connection to the system manufacturer’s new or existing application. The module solution can be used directly within mass-produced applications.

Industrial Ethernet module in a RJ45 connector size

The industrial Ethernet module is available in single- and dual-port versions in the form factor of a RJ45 Ethernet connector. This simplifies design-in of the module hardware with little effort of routing the PCB or modifying the existing housing.

Supports PROFINET RT based on latest specification

The first release of the I-RJ45 module solution supports PROFINET conformance class B version 2.3.4. The hardware of the industrial Ethernet module solution is already prepared for other Industrial Ethernet protocols including EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP. The physical connection of the application controller to the solution is done via the SPI interface. The application software will be connected by using a general generic open abstraction layer (API) which offers an easy migration with Renesas MCU solutions.

Pricing and Availability

Samples of the I-RJ45 industrial Ethernet module solution are now available worldwide, and mass production is scheduled to begin in Q3, 2018.

The industrial Ethernet module solution kit will be available in April 2018, priced at €299.00 per kit. (Pricing and Availability are subject to change without notice.)

Renesas will demonstrate the industrial Ethernet module solution and solution kit version at its booth (Booth 350 in Hall 1) during embedded world 2018, which takes place from February 27 to March 1, 2018 in Nuremberg, Germany.

Refer to the separate sheet for main product specifications of the I-RJ45 module.

(Remarks) Renesas Synergy is a trademark of Renesas Electronics Corporation. EtherCAT is registered trademark and patented technology, licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH, Germany. PROFINET is a registered trademark of PROFIBUS and PROFINET International (PI). EtherNet/IP is a trademark of ODVA, Inc. Arduino is a registered trademark of Arduino LLC, Pmod is an open standard defined by Digilent Inc. All registered trademarks or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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.