Two-channel sensor signal conditioner eliminates MCU in IO-Link systems

Renesas has introduced the ZSSC3286, a programmable signal-conditioning IC which includes a certified and licensed protocol stack for connecting to an IO-Link network. 

IO-Link is a digital communication protocol that is widely used in industrial automation applications. A standard protocol, it enables seamless communication between sensors, actuators, and other devices in an automation system. IO-Link has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to provide real-time data and diagnostics, and to its ease of use and compatibility with existing systems. 

With the release of the ZSSC3286, Renesas provides a dual-channel, IO-Link ready sensor signal conditioning IC which performs accurate amplification, digitization, and sensor-specific correction of sensor signals. 

The sensor signal conditioner features an integrated IO-Link stack running the IO-Link Smart Sensor Profile for digital measuring and switching sensors. Traditionally, an external microcontroller has been used to run the IO-Link stack. The ZSSC3286 eliminates the need for an external MCU, saving board space and reducing bill-of-materials cost. It also offers two parallel ADCs with up to 24-bit resolution, a measurement scheduler for optimized performance, and advanced system diagnostic functions.

The ZSSC3286 is suitable for bridge and half-bridge sensors, as well as external voltage-source ele­ments. Digital compensation of the sensor offset, sensitivity, temperature drift, and non-linearity is accomplished via a 32-bit Arm® math core running a correction algorithm with calibration coefficients stored in a non-volatile, reprogrammable memory. 

Because this sensor front-end is programmable, it is compatible with a variety of sensors across a broad range of applications.

Alongside the ZSSC3286, Renesas has also introduced the CCE4511, the industry’s first four-channel master IC for the IO-Link protocol, supplying a 500 mA drive current for each channel. This offers numerous advantages over two-channel master devices: it saves energy, reduces PCB size, and requires fewer external components than competitive offerings.