B&R: New On The Market For POWERLINK Implementation

Online, April 21, 2011 (Newswire.com) - With the POWERLINK slave for FPGAs, B&R now offers an ideal solution for automation component manufacturers, adding a real-time Ethernet connection to B&R's already extensive range of products. 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 new 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 which includes motion safety and control. 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.