The firmware is available through Infineon's ModusToolbox development platform, providing access to all major industrial communication protocols in a single software solution. This enables users to quickly and easily implement the required protocols on the XMC7000 microcontroller, fully utilising its high-performance capabilities in various applications, including servo drives, I/O modules, robotic arms, industrial gateways, PLCs, and more.
The announcement comes as a response to industry trends which are undergoing a rapid digital transformation and embracing the principles of Industry 4.0. Consequently, communication protocols in industrial automation are looking for seamless data exchange and control in automation systems,
“As Industry 4.0 continues to build momentum, existing Fieldbus and Ethernet-based protocols are critical for industrial automation,” said Panagiotis Venardos, Senior Product Manager Microcontroller at Infineon. “We continue to invest in higher performance microcontrollers and connected MCUs to help drive further enhancements to how the factory floor seamlessly communicates.”
Industrial communication protocols are standardised sets of rules and procedures that govern the exchange of data between devices and systems in an industrial automation environment.
As a result of the collaboration between Infineon and RT-Labs, customers now have access to the following communication protocols: PROFINET RT, EtherNet/IP, CANopen, CC-Link, Modbus/TCP, and EtherCAT Master.
A GitHub repository hosts the middleware, ensuring up-to-date, easily accessible libraries. In addition, Infineon supports implementation by providing user-friendly code examples and comprehensive documentation, eliminating the need for in-depth expertise or extensive resources on the customer’s side.
