https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/your place for all things related to learning about electronic engineering. en-USTelligent Community 12https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/the-tech-connection/b/blog/posts/achieving-deterministic-latency-with-the-amd-kria-k24-somMon, 27 Apr 2026 10:05:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c12a8068-557e-4433-82fc-0d58b942c751e14sbhargavIntroduction In industrial environments, it is imperative that digital signal processing (DSP)-intensive applications at the edge deliver efficient performance. Applications such as electric drives and motor controllers require high compute throughput and deterministic, low-latency performance for precise control. Failure to do so can cause compute-intensive DSP workloads to exhibit unpredictable or inaccurate behaviour. The result can be performance degradation, reliability concerns, and even safety risks. Traditionally, overcoming these challenges required complex hardware design and lengthy development cycles, making it difficult to balance performance with cost and time-to-market. The AMD Kria TM K24 System-on-Modules (SOMs) and Kria KD240 drives starter kits address these challenges. The K24 SOM offers a power-, performance-, and cost-optimized platform in a compact production-ready form factor. This article explores how the K24 SOM and KD240 starter kit enable architects and engineers to create reliable, high-performance motor control and DSP solutions at the edge. The kit bridges the gap between development efficiency and industrial-grade deployment. 2. Latency and Determinism in Industrial Motion Control Definitions Latency is the time delay between an input signal and the corresponding system response. In industrial motion control, it is the time between an input and the corresponding motor output. Even microseconds of delay can compromise motion precision. Conversely, determinism is the ability of the system to execute consistent and predictable control loops. This eliminates jitter and ensures reliable performance under load. A deterministic system helps ensure that every operation executes within a defined time frame. Impacts of High Latency and Low Determinism In industrial motion control, high latency and low determinism can degrade accuracy, as latency and determinism directly influence system performance, reliability, and safety. Machines can sustain optimal operating speeds only if there is precision, a lack of which results in reduced throughput and unpredictable response time. Performance degradation can extend to inconsistent control timing. There can be greater wear, heat buildup, and vibration. The result is shortened equipment lifespan and higher maintenance costs. Traditionally, these challenges were reduced using custom ASICs, DSPs, or FPGAs, which require deep hardware expertise. To identify the position of the moving rotor, the controller uses a sensor attached to the stator that provides the angled position of the rotor based on an agreed reference point. In short, it's reporting an angle measurement. Based on this angle, the controller tries to optimize the drive, creating the proper amount of current for every motor phase and enabling the motor to operate at maximum efficiency. Without this information, the motor would spin inefficiently, consuming a lot of current and eventually overheating, or it would spin and not efficiently produce the maximum amount of torque possible. Solution: AMD Kria TM K24 SOM In industrial motion control, it is critical to achieve low latency and high determinism. This is because jitter or unpredictable delays can compromise efficiency, safety, and performance. Motor control solutions based on standard microcontrollers are limited when it comes to switching frequency. The AMD Kria TM K24 SOM, paired with the Kria KD240 drives starter kit, directly addresses issues such as low latency and high determinism by offering deterministic control loops and significantly lower latency than traditional SoCs. In fact, tests show up to twice lower latency in single-axis drives than competitive devices, with even greater benefits as the number of motor axes scales, thanks to FPGA logic that enables independent rather than time-multiplexed loops. 1 The K24 SOM is equipped with built-in pulse-width modulation (PWM) capabilities. It uses programmable logic to enable continuous current measurement and real-time processing, ensuring smooth, accurate, and energy-efficient operation. By fine-tuning voltage modulation, the K24 SOM enables precise motor speed control while simultaneously reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI). Unlike traditional software-driven control loops, AMD hardware-based execution provides deterministic performance for demanding industrial drives by reducing interrupt delays and jitter. This hardware-first approach simplifies design and enhances system reliability by solving common issues associated with software routines. The key advantages of using this solution are: AI-enabled intelligence – The K24 SOM collects and analyzes parameters like current, torque, and position to enable predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and functional safety. Scalability for multi-motor systems – FPGA parallelism allows synchronized control of complex setups such as six-axis robotics or multiple coordinated drives. Flexible multiprotocol support – Compatibility with encoder/sensor standards like EnDat, BiSS, and Hiperface DSL ensures adaptability and future-proof motion control designs. Advanced modulation capabilities – Engineers can implement scalable, custom modulation schemes in programmable logic, spreading harmonics to reduce acoustic noise and torque ripple. Deterministic real-time performance – Hardware-accelerated control loops deliver sub-millisecond latency, supporting high-frequency SiC-based power electronics and ensuring consistent, reliable motor control. 3. Introducing the AMD Kria TM K24 SOM Features and Operation The AMD Kria TM K24 SOM is a powerful solution for next-generation electric drives and motion control applications at the edge. It is built on the AMD Zynq TM UltraScale+ TM MPSoC and integrates programmable logic, dual-core Arm ® Cortex ® -R5F real-time processors, and high-performance cores. It integrates FPGA-based adaptive system-on-chip technology into a compact, production-ready format, designed specifically for high-performance, real-time motor control in industrial applications. This architecture allows hardware acceleration of time-critical paths while minimizing jitter, making it ideal for compute-intensive DSP workloads. The design also supports modern power electronics, such as silicon carbide devices, by providing fast, deterministic loops at high switching frequencies. The K24 SOM is optimized for power efficiency and reliability in industrial environments, with ECC memory, thermal robustness, and extended lifecycle support (Figure 1). The K24 SOM also offers two security features: dedicated hardware built into the MPSoC and an on-board trusted platform module (TPM) device. It allows synchronization of multiple motors and offers on-board error correction and system monitoring. Figure 1: Picture showing the front and back sides of the AMD Kria TM K24 SOM Some of the key benefits of the K24 SOM for motor control include: Security Features : AMD motor control solutions offer multiple security features, from tamper monitoring to license management. Multiple Industrial Networking Protocol Support : AMD solutions support multiple industrial networking protocols, delivering high design flexibility. Functional Safety : AMD solutions are built to support the latest functional safety standards. Low Latency : AMD motor control solutions deliver low latency between IT and operational tasks for high-speed performance. Standard Industrial Networking : Besides TSN, it can support other industrial networking standards, such as EtherCAT ® , PROFINET ® , EtherNet/IP ® , and many more. Standard Fieldbus : The K24 SOM supports the CAN interface, and the KD240 drives starter kit offers a connector for the CAN 2.0 interface. 4. Getting Started with the AMD Kria TM KD240 Drives Starter Kit The AMD Kria TM KD240 drives starter kit is the latest out-of-the-box ready development platform in the Kria portfolio. This starter kit serves as a platform for developing electric drives and other size and cost-constrained applications. The kit consists of a non-production AMD Kria K24 SOM plugged into a drives application carrier card and equipped with a passive heatsink. The K24 SOM included in the starter kit is based on the AMD Zynq TM UltraScale+ TM MPSoC and paired with 2 GB of LPDDR4 memory. The starter kit is also drives-application ready because it features a three-phase inverter, quadrature encoder interface, brake control, and torque sensor interface. Beyond the drives-specific interfaces, there are host of other interfaces for general purpose developers including connectivity through Ethernet and USB ports, and flexible I/O expandability via a Pmod connector. Figure 2 shows the details of the components of the KD240 drives starter kit. Figure 2: AMD Kria TM KD240 Drives Starter Kit Software Support The solution is pre-certified for industrial use, simplifying both hardware and software development requirements. It is simplified signal processing supports many design flows, including familiar design tools like MATLAB, Simulink, and languages like Python, with its extensive ecosystem and support for the PYNQ framework. The Kria Robotics Stack (KRS), a ROS 2 superset, enhances AMD Kria TM K24 SOM by enabling hardware-accelerated robotics development. It provides optimized libraries, secure compute architectures, and seamless integration for industrial-grade robotics. With support for low latency, determinism, real-time performance, and high throughput, KRS empowers ROS 2 developers to build and deploy advanced robotic solutions faster and more efficiently on adaptive computing platforms. Out-of-the-box Demo Information The AMD Kria TM K24 SOM, coupled with the Kria KD240 drives starter kit, is an out-of-the-box-ready tool for developers building compute-intensive motor control applications. It benefits from a rich ecosystem, including pre-built motor control libraries and the KD240 kit, which enables out-of-the-box validation without FPGA expertise. It leverages multiple development flows, including Python, the MATLAB ® Simulink ® environment, and more. This demo highlights how quickly engineers can set up the KD240 drives starter kit and run a sensor-based Field-Oriented Control (FOC) hardware accelerated application. After flashing the provided microSD card with the latest AMD image and mounting the kit to the motor accessory plate, users simply connect Ethernet, USB-UART, motor accessory kit cables, and power. The setup requires no FPGA expertise. Once powered, the kit boots into Ubuntu, where the FOC motor control application is installed and launched. A browser-based GUI allows engineers to remotely control and monitor motor performance, such as adjusting RPM in real time. www.youtube.com/watch The entire setup from unboxing to running the FOC application takes less than an hour, showcasing the KD240 drive starter kit’s ease of use and rapid prototyping capability. Beyond this demo, engineers can explore additional accelerated applications through the Kria App Store, enabling quick evaluation and deployment across motor control and DSP use cases. With production-ready Kria SOMs available, the KD240 drivers starter kit provides a seamless path from development to deployment in both commercial and industrial environments. 5. Conclusion Summary Latency and determinism are critical challenges in industrial motion control. Traditional microcontroller-based systems often fall short, introducing unpredictable delays and limiting the adoption of modern high-frequency technologies like SiC. The AMD Kria TM K24 SOM and the Kria KD240 drives starter kit provide engineers with a production-ready, adaptive platform that ensures deterministic, low-latency control. By integrating programmable logic, robust security, and OTA update capability, the K24 SOM delivers long-term value for industrial edge deployments. With its out-of-the-box usability, scalability, and proven reliability, the K24 SOM allows engineers to move quickly from prototyping to deployment—achieving higher precision, safer operation, and extended equipment lifecycles. To explore the AMD Kria TM K24 SOM and Kria KD240 drives starter kit, visit: AMD Kria TM KD240 Drives Starter Kit AMD Kria TM K24 SOM Boot Kria Starter Kit Linux on AMD Kria TM KD240 1 Based on AMD internal analysis in August 2023, using the latency results reported by TI for a full control loop implementation on a Texas Instruments AM64xx standard SOC using a Texas Instruments benchmark vs. the latency results of a full control loop implementation using a Field Oriented Control algorithm designed by Qdesys. System configuration for the TI AM64xx SOC system: TMDS64EVM board; configuration for the Kria K24 SOM system: KD240 starter kit. The latency advantage improves up to 7x as the number of motor axes increases. Actual results will vary. (SOM-003) AMD, and the AMD Arrow logo, Kria, UltraScale+, Zynq, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other product names used in this publication are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. About the sponsor AMD drives innovation in high-performance and AI computing to solve the world’s most important challenges. Today, AMD technology powers billions of experiences across cloud and AI infrastructure, embedded systems, AI PCs and gaming. With a broad portfolio of AI-optimized CPUs, GPUs, networking and software, AMD delivers full-stack AI solutions that provide the performance and scalability needed for a new era of intelligent computing. Learn more at amd.com .testingKria KD240amdK24 SOME14-AMDhttps://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234242Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:15:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:553f320e-171a-4233-8ca4-9dfe00e32bf6Knighthawk_140A how to guide to read mnemonic triangle. A new day where the ELITE are EDUCATEDhttps://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234239Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:21:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:48693706-6f82-41b2-9799-6a9f33fca406shabazI think it's easier to derive from the formula; the arrangement of the four variables in a triangle doesn't work (whereas with three variables, the V=IR triangle makes sense, and same for other relationships like these). Here's a four-variable representation which makes sense.. although this was quickly done with AI, so check it before use. The style however is (or was) very popular back when electronic calculators were not common (and often precise values are not needed, just a ballpark, because of component tolerances). This can be done for all manner of formulae (was popular for 555 timer calculations too).https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234238Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:09:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:3b941d15-ecd6-4620-b6a4-9108bad78cbbKnighthawk_140AND ONE BECOMES TWOhttps://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234177Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:34:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:eb425459-5a38-4eeb-a702-2810117074b1robogarylooks like a jet turbine :-) compression, ignition, delta temperature , delta Velocity then whoosh !https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234174Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:22:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:4879ce32-292d-4ed4-9b6a-4e922be85134dougwhttps://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234173Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:02:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:2b2d9483-1cd3-4110-b324-d4a7cc85df07michaelkellettWell Doug, I probably won't forget that ..... But I think I'll stick with classical maths notation when I need to do sums. MKhttps://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234172Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:57:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:ec34aff1-a921-41a6-896f-69a631f37082dougw☺https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234171Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:29:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:06e4f8d3-51f5-42fd-93e3-9a3a1f340b4eKnighthawk_140https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234170Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:57:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:583e4017-bfc5-470b-88ed-f08b0dc4c93bobonesAnd here I was thinking I'm the only one not to get this...https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234169Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:33:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:695aec96-55ae-4388-b142-ce8c7ea066b6michaelkellettHow interesting - to me it looks like those meaningless diagrams that people use to illustrate corporate time-wasting presentations The equation is T = (C * dV)/I or dV = (T * I) / C (dV because its the change in V while I and C are constant) I just can't see how the diagram shows that. If a vertical bar means * and a horizontal bar means / then what does the horizontal bar below T mean ? I can't work out a consistent decode of the diagram. I know that some people associate colours with numbers or letters (synesthesia) - I don't. Maybe "seeing" this diagram is a similar thing. MKhttps://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangle/234168Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:38:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:3777a611-d0a0-4c33-ab54-fe686024f576chloroNice mnemonic! Triangles like this make it much easier to remember the relationships when working with capacitor ramp circuits. Simple visual tricks like these are actually very useful when doing quick calculations or explaining concepts. Thanks for sharing it.https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/56737/mnemonic-triangleWed, 04 Mar 2026 12:36:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:2bbcb033-e194-459c-a121-19baba3a442bKnighthawk_140Hello Here is my custom mnemonic math triangle for constant current ramp work. I have this time and date stamped on youtube. T = Time, V = Voltage, I = Constant Current & C = Capacitance Enjoyhttps://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/essentials/w/documents/27752/designing-an-io-link-sensor---industrial-sensingMon, 09 Feb 2026 10:40:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:307cac03-d069-4dce-9280-f1851b87b343e14cstantonSensors Series - Part 09 - Industrial Sensing As programmable logic controllers (PLCs) evolve, they are quickly becoming an integral component within Industry 4.0 smart factories. This is due to a need for faster, low power, and innovative solutions. The IO-Link standard was created in part to give the legacy sensors that were previously installed the capabilities of a smart sensor. IO-Link is a point-to-point communication link with standardized connectors, cables, and protocols. This article explains IO-Link smart sensor technology, analyzes IO-Link sensor design, and discusses its advantages over traditional systems. Related Components | Test Your Knowledge sponsored by 2. Objectives Upon completion of this module, you will be able to: Understand what an IO-Link is and its components Describe the IO-Link data communication protocol and its pin configuration Discuss the benefits of using IO-Link in Industry 4.0 by comparing it with conventional sensors Explain how to design an IO-Link smart sensor 3. Basic Concepts Back to Top 1. Traditional Sensors Traditional sensors typically consist of a sensing element and a method for transmitting data to a controller. Figure 1 illustrates how traditional sensors frequently send data in a unidirectional, analog format. This type of data transmission requires additional operations, including additional digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions, which can add noise, not to mention increasing the cost and footprint of the device. As shown in Figure 1, a traditional binary sensor indicates the status of a switch, either ON or OFF. An ON signal would be represented by a high (24V) signal, while an OFF signal would be represented by a low (0V) signal. In most cases, the data flow of traditional sensors is limited to one direction, from the sensor to the controller, as indicated in Figure 1. Figure 1: Traditional sensor block diagrams - Analog and Binary Newer, more advanced sensors have replaced traditional sensors. The IO-Link standard was created to better meet the demands of Industry 4.0 where advanced smart sensors and reconfigurable factory floors will become commonplace. The following content offers a detailed explanation of the many benefits of IO-Link. 2. What is IO-Link? IO-Link is a point-to-point, bus-independent, serial digital communication protocol defined by international standard IEC 61131-9. IO-Link is designed to link sensors and actuators to PLCs. IO-Link enables "last meter" digital data communication to sensors and actuators. It enables bidirectional transmission of parameterization and diagnostic data, where previously, only binary states (ON/OFF) or analog signals were communicated. A system with IO-Link functionality can benefit from reduced downtime for maintenance and increased flexibility when configuring and reconfiguring. IO-Link can transform a manual sensor installation into one which allows a user to "plug-and-play and walk away.” 3. The Components of IO-Link Figure 2 depicts the block diagram of an IO-Link system, which is comprised of two types of components: the "IO-Link controller" and the "IO-Link device" (sensor or actuator). All IO-Link data exchange is controller-agent based, meaning the IO-Link controller communicates with IO-Link devices, collecting their data, and transmitting it to the higher-level bus system. The controller can have multiple ports (usually four or eight). Each port of the controller connects to a unique IO-Link device. The design of IO-Link enables it to work with existing industrial architectures, such as fieldbus or Industrial Ethernet, providing connectivity to existing PLCs or human-machine interfaces (HMIs). Figure 2: IO-Link controller/device interface An IO-Link layer can be present on any given network. Installation of the IO-Link controller is possible within either the control cabinet, or directly in the field as a remote I/O with an industrial environment rated enclosure (IP65/67). The IO-Link device (any sensor, actuator, or combination of both) couples with the controller using a standard sensor/actuator cable, and transmits and receives data sent directly via IO-Link in a digital format. The following are highlights of IO-Link: The IO-Link standard states that sensor/actuator cables must have a length of 20 meters or less and be constructed from unshielded cables using standard connectors common to industrial systems. M8 and M12 connectors are in widespread use. Communication between controller and agent devices is half-duplex with three transmission rates: COM1: 4800 baud, COM2: 38.4 kbaud, and COM3: 230.4 kbaud. The IO-Link device only supports one data rate, while the IO-Link controller supports all three data rates. The IO-Link system supply range is 20V to 30V for the controller and 18V to 30V for the device (sensor or actuator). a) IO-Link Pin Definitions IO-Link is a standard for SDCI (single-drop communication interface), as described in IEC-61131-9, that maintains backward-compatibility with binary sensors. There are two port classes for the connectors, class A and class B. Port class A comprises 4 pins, as illustrated in Figure 3. The wiring for port class A uses three wires: (L+, L-, C/Q), with the fourth wire available as an additional signal line complying with IEC 61131-2. Its support is optional in both controller and devices. Binary drivers use a standard 24V, 3-wire industrial interface. These drivers typically support high-side (PNP), low-side (NPN), or push-pull configurations along with normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC) logic. Pin Signal Designation 1 L+ Power supply (+) 2 I/Q NC/DI/DO (port class A) P24 (port class B) 3 L- Power supply (-) 4 C "Switching signal" (SIO) Q "Coded switching" (COM1, COM2, COM3) Figure 3: Class A pin description Figure 4 depicts a port class B connector. Class B connectors have 5-wire connections (L+, P24, L-, C/Q, N24). These are present in devices that need additional power from an independent 24V supply. Pin Signal Designation 1 L+ Power supply (+) 2 I/Q P24 NC/DI/DO (port class A) P24 (port class B) 3 L- Power supply (-) 4 C/Q SIO/SDCI 5 NC N24 NC (port class A) N24 (port class B) Figure 4: Class B pin description Communication can take place using standard I/O (SIO) or SDCI bidirectional communication modes. SIO mode ensures backwards compatibility with existing sensors. IO-Link mode provides bidirectional communication. Data is transmitted over the CQ line using nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) modulation; logic 0 is 24V between C/Q and L- and logic 1 is 0V between C/Q and L-. In IO-Link mode, pin 2 can operate in DI mode as a digital input, DO mode as a digital output, or not connected (NC). b) Data Types Figure 5 illustrates the initiation of communication between the controller and device; all communication must start with a request from the controller and after that, follow a fixed schedule. The device must answer all requests from the controller. A back-and-forth communication sequence is called an M-sequence (message sequence) and can take many different forms, varying in total length. All data communication uses a UART frame, consisting of 11 bits = 1 start bit + 8 data bits + 1 parity bit + 1 stop bit. Figure 5: IO-Link Controller-Device communication sequence To configure a device or communicate with it for the first time, the controller sends a wake-up request. When the wake-up request is received, the device configures itself to receive mode. The second step involves establishing the data rate for communication. The controller sends multiple messages over the range of data rates from fastest to slowest, waiting for the device to respond after each send. The device responds to the message sent at its own data rate. All IO-Link devices must have an associated IO-Link device description (IODD) file, an XML file that is used by the controller for identification, data interpretation, and configuration of the device. IO-Link data communication can be cyclic or acyclic. Cyclic communication consists of data that is transmitted during regular operation, and include process data and measurements from the sensor. Acyclic data is on-request and can contain configuration or maintenance information, event-triggers (like notifications, warnings, errors), service data for large data structures, and page data for direct reading of device parameters. 4. Analysis Back to Top Designing an IO-Link Sensor The IO-Link communication protocol allows smart sensors to work with IO-Link controllers. Figure 6 illustrates the basic structure of an IO-Link sensor. Some of the questions the system designer must consider are: What type of sensor(s) is/are being integrated (optical, temperature, etc.)? Which MCU is interfacing with the sensor and running the IO-Link device stack? What is the IO-Link transceiver (or physical layer/PHY) being used? What are the various voltage and current ratings required? What connector types are being used? What external protection (TVS for surge, EFT/burst, ESD, etc.) is required? Figure 6: Building blocks of an IO-Link sensor 5. Reference Designs from Maxim Integrated Back to Top In IO-Link applications, the IO-Link device transceiver serves as the microcontroller's physical layer (PHY) interface. The transceiver runs the data-link layer protocol and supports digital inputs and outputs at voltages up to 24V. Maxim transceivers are capable of supporting IO-Link specifications at very low power dissipation levels; the third-generation MAX14828 single-channel transceiver and the MAX14827A dual-channel transceiver dissipate only 70mW when driving a 100mA load. In addition, Maxim’s latest IO-Link transceiver, the MAX22513, features a selectable control interface, an internal high-efficiency DC-DC buck regulator, two internal linear regulators, and integrated surge protection. 1. Temperature sensor reference design - MAXREFDES164 Figure 7 depicts the block diagram for the MAXREFDES164 temperature sensor reference design. The MAXREFDES164 is a collaborative product from Technologie Management Gruppe Technologie und Engineering (TMG TE), Maxim, and TEConcept. The design comprises a Maxim IO-Link device transceiver (MAX14828), a MAX32660 ultra-low-power 32-bit microcontroller using TMG TE's or TEConcept's IO-Link device stack, and a Maxim local temperature sensor (MAX31875). Due to its minimal power requirements, small form factor, and low cost, the MAXREFDES164 IO-Link local temperature sensor is well-suited to industrial control and automation applications. Figure 7: MAXREFDES164 IO-Link temperature sensor block diagram The MAX14828 is a small form factor (2.5mm x 2.5mm) IO-Link device transceiver that is compliant with the IO-Link version 1.1.3/1.0 physical layer. The MAX14828 features two ultra-low-power drivers with active reverse-polarity protection. Operation is specified for typical 24V supply voltages, supporting a maximum of 60V. An SPI interface is available and for IO-Link operation, a three-wire UART interface is provided. The MAX14828 includes integrated 3.3V and 5V linear regulators, which provide the low-noise supply rails for the other components on the board. The MAX32660 is an ultra-low-power, cost-effective, highly integrated microcontroller. It combines a flexible and versatile power management unit with an Arm® Cortex®-M4 with a floating-point unit (FPU). The device integrates up to 256KB of flash memory and 96KB of RAM to accommodate application and sensor code. It supports SPI, UART, and I2C communication. The MAX31875 is a ±1°C-accurate local temperature sensor with an I2C/SMBus interface. The I2C-compatible two-wire serial interface allows access to conversion results, and standard I2C commands can be used for configuration and reading data. 2. Distance sensor reference design - MAXREFDES171 Figure 8 depicts the MAXREFDES171, a distance sensor reference design. The MAXREFDES171 consists of an MAX22513 IO-Link device transceiver, a MAX32660 ultra-low-power 16-bit microcontroller utilizing the TMG TE IO-Link device stack, and a VL53L1 time-of-flight (ToF) laser-ranging distance sensor. The design is compliant with the IO-Link version 1.1.3/1.0 standard. Figure 8: MAXREFDES171 IO-Link device distance sensor The MAX22513 is an IO-Link device transceiver, complying with the IO-Link version 1.1/1.0 physical layer specification. The high-voltage components often found in industrial sensors are integrated, including drivers, a high-efficiency DC-DC buck regulator, and two linear regulators. All four IO pins (V24, C/Q, DO/DI, and GND) have built-in reverse-voltage and short circuit protection, and feature integrated 1kV/500Ω surge protection. External transient protection can be simplified due to the transceiver’s high voltage tolerance (65V absolute maximum rating) and integrated surge protection. The integrated DC-DC buck regulator in MAX22513 provides the 3.3V and 5V rails, and delivers a load current of up to 300mA. The MAX22513 features a flexible control interface, allowing control through either an SPI or I2C interface. I2C allows both the MAX22513 and the sensor IC to be on the same bus. A 3-wire UART interface is provided to facilitate IO-Link operation. Because of the integrated surge protection within the MAX22513 at the IO-Link interface, the MAXREFDES171 does not require external protection, such as varistors or TVS diodes. The MAX32660 is an ultra-low-power, cost-effective, highly integrated microcontroller, featuring a powerful Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU. The device offers up to 256KB of flash memory and 96KB of RAM to accommodate applications and sensor code. It supports SPI, UART, and I2C communication and comes in a tiny form factor. The VL53L1X is a ToF laser-ranging sensor that provides accurate distance measurements up to 400cm. 6. Glossary Back to Top Acyclic data: Data that is transmitted from the controller only after a request. This includes data such as configuration and diagnostic information. Analog Front End (AFE): The analog portion of a circuit which precedes A/D conversion. COM1-3: The available rates that IO-Link data is transmitted. There are three available data rates: COM1: 4800 baud, COM2: 38.4 kbaud, and COM3: 230.4 kbaud. Cyclic data: Data that is transmitted by the controller automatically and at regular intervals. This includes data such as process data and value status. IEC 61131-9: The International standard listing specifications for programmable controllers. IO-Link is described in part 9: Single-drop digital communication interface for small sensors and actuators (SDCI). IODD (IO-Link Device Description): An electronic description of an IO-Link device’s specifications. An IODD file is required for every IO-Link device. IODD is represented in XML format and contains the necessary properties to establish communication with the device, the device’s parameters, identification information, process and diagnostic information, an image of the device, and the manufacturer’s logo. IO-Link device: A field device that is monitored and controlled by an IO-Link controller. IO-Link controller: The device that represents the connection between a higher-level PLC/controller and IO-Link devices. The IO-Link controller monitors and controls the IO-Link devices. Non Return to Zero (NRZ): A binary encoding scheme in which ones and zeroes are represented by opposite and alternating high and low voltages, and where there is no return-to-zero (reference) voltage between encoded bits. That is, the stream has only two values: low and high. Port: A port is an IO-Link communication channel. Sensor: A device that detects a physical parameter, such as temperature, motion, light, or sound, and converts it to an electrical signal that can be measured and used by an electrical or electronic system. Serial Interface: An interface in which data is sent in a single stream of bits, usually on a single wire-plus-ground. *Trademark. Maxim Integrated is a trademark of Maxim Integrated ADI. Other logos, product and/or company names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Related Components Back to Top IO-Link is a standard for industrial networking (IEC 61131-9) that enables bidirectional communication between devices, such as sensors, actuators, and controllers. The IO-Link standard also specifies backwards compatibility with legacy sensors and actuators, enabling smart functionality in existing systems. Maxim Integrated offers several reference designs featuring full IO-Link compatibility. Buy Now MAX14828EVKIT MAX14828 IO-Link Device Transceiver- Evaluation Kit Buy Now MAXREFDES171 IO-Link Distance Sensor Reference Design Buy Now MAXREFDES177 IO-Link Universal Analog IO Reference Design Buy Now MAXREFDES23DB IO-Link Light Sensor Reference Design Buy Now MAXREFDES42 IO-Link RTD Temp Sensor Reference Design For more IO-Link sensors products. Shop Now Take the Quiz Back to Top Sensors VIIII Complete our Essentials: Sensors VIIII course, take the quiz, and leave your feedback to earn... Are you ready to demonstrate your IO-Link sensors knowledge? Then take this 10-question quiz. To earn the Sensors IX Badge, read through the module, attain 100% in the quiz, and leave us some feedback in the comments section. To learn more about connectors click the next button for more educational modules. Previous Nextindustry 4.0io-linksensorsbinary sensormaxim integratedindustrial sensingtransceiverindustrial sensorsdciuartsmart sensorio-link sensorindustrial sensorsess_module