Fieldbus communication module NIC 50-RE

EtherCATPowerlinkModbus

Product overview
The NIC 50-RE is a DIL-32 single-chip communication IC designed as a Real-Time Ethernet slave for cost-sensitive field devices. It provides compact network connectivity for peripherals such as barcode readers, valve manifolds, identification systems and I/O blocks via serial host interfaces (UART, SPI). Based on the Hilscher netX network controller, the module integrates a Real-Time Ethernet/fieldbus interface with a 2-port switch and hub. A single hardware design supports multiple communication systems by loading different firmware images, while application payload is exchanged through simple read/write commands on the serial interfaces. Modbus RTU is implemented as a serial protocol and direct I/O control via external shift registers is supported for hostless simple applications. A 10-year delivery guarantee applies thanks to netX technology.

Highlights

• DIL-32 communication IC for economical field devices
• Host connection via UART or SPI with Modbus RTU
• One hardware platform for multiple Real-Time Ethernet systems (firmware-selectable)
• Direct I/O data link through external shift register (synchronous serial)
• Uniform interfaces simplify design reuse across networks
• Firmware update supported via integrated web server

Supported protocols

• Modbus RTU Slave
• Modbus RTU Master
• VARAN Client
• Sercos Slave
• PROFINET IO-Device
• POWERLINK Controlled Node
• Open Modbus/TCP Server
• Open Modbus/TCP Client
• EtherNet/IP Adapter
• EtherCAT Slave

Order information (table)
Product name | Part number | Brief description
NIC 50-RE | 1541.100/ECS | DIL-32 communication IC - Real-Time-Ethernet slave

Technical specifications

• Model: NIC 50-RE
• Brand: Hilscher
• Form factor: DIL-32 communication IC
• Based on: Hilscher netX network controller (single-chip module)
• Host interfaces: UART, SPI (serial)
• Supported serial protocol: Modbus RTU
• Integrated components: Real-Time Ethernet / fieldbus interface with integrated 2-port switch and hub
• Direct I/O: via external shift register (synchronous serial I/O control)
• Firmware: interchangeable to support multiple Real-Time-Ethernet systems; firmware update via integrated web server
• Protocols supported: Modbus RTU Slave/Master, VARAN Client, Sercos Slave, PROFINET IO-Device, POWERLINK Controlled Node, Modbus/TCP Server/Client, EtherNet/IP Adapter, EtherCAT Slave
• Part number (order code): 1541.100/ECS
• Delivery guarantee: 10-year delivery guarantee (via netX technology)