Multiprotocol industrial ethernet switch platform reduces development time

Analog Devices, Inc has released the ADIN2299, a multiprotocol industrial Ethernet switch platform, to meet the connectivity demands of industrial and process automation, motion control, transportation, and energy automation. The platform is intended to operate in a star, line, or ring topology. The device is a highly integrated and tested solution that comprises a communications controller, a two-port 10/100Mbps Ethernet switch, memory, physical layer (PHY), and protocol stacks. The hardware, along with its software and pre-certified industrial protocols, lowers system integration while supplying fast market time.

The platform lowers design and debug time by offering not only the protocol stack but also the RTOS, file system, drivers, and TCP/IP. An application processor can connect to the switch platform through a UART, SPI or Ethernet interface. The software allows the application processor to connect to a unified interface so that multiple industrial protocols can be used without needing any changes to the application processor software. This eradicates the learning curve associated with including different protocols. Customers can now use a single field device hardware design to support multiple industrial protocols. Another crucial element of the platform is cyber security. It has a secure boot and secure update feature, which provides that only verified code is executed, decreasing possible disruptions in the field produced by cyber-attacks.

An evaluation kit is offered for platform assessment and system development. An application example is supplied to demonstrate end-to-end, host-to-network and interface-to-controller communication. Once an application development board is connected through UART, SPI, or Ethernet interface with the evaluation board, protocol communication can be evaluated utilising a PLC or controller simulator. This provides for complete verification before integrating the platform into a system.