Evaluation board NICEB-RE

Product overview
The NICEB-RE is an evaluation board implementing the netIC single-chip module in a DIL-32 form factor. It provides a slave solution for simple field devices with low data throughput (e.g. barcode readers, identification systems, valve manifolds, I/O blocks) and supports evaluation of multiple Real-Time Ethernet and fieldbus protocols. The board is supplied with firmware, tools and technical documentation for evaluation.

Key features

• Evaluation platform for netIC technology
• Single board compatible with multiple Real-Time Ethernet systems
• Includes current netIC firmware images for supported protocols
• Delivered with tools and technical documentation for evaluation

Functional description
netIC is a compact single-chip communication module based on the Hilscher netX network controller in a DIL-32 IC form factor. It integrates a 2-port Ethernet switch and hub and implements fieldbus/Real-Time Ethernet interfaces. Different firmware images enable one netIC to operate with multiple communication systems. For simple field devices, serial host interfaces (UART and SPI) transfer payload using simple read/write commands; Modbus RTU is provided as a serial protocol. Synchronous serial shifting registers can be used to control digital I/O without a separate host processor. A 10-year delivery guarantee applies due to the netX controller.

Order information (table)
Product name | Part number | Brief description
NICEB-RE | 1540.000 | netIC Evaluation Board - Real-Time-Ethernet slave

Downloads (available)
Software and technical documentation are available for evaluation. Available documents include Embedded Modules (Infosheet), Compact Communication Modules (Datasheet), Embedded Module (Infoblatt), Kompakte Kommunikationsmodule (Datenblatt) and Compact Communication Modules (データシート).

Supported protocols

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

Technical specifications

• Form factor: DIL-32 communication IC (evaluation board available)
• Based on Hilscher netX network controller (netIC single-chip module)
• Integrated 2-port switch and hub
• Host interfaces: UART and SPI (serial)
• Supports multiple Real-Time Ethernet and fieldbus protocols via firmware
• Serial protocol implemented: Modbus RTU
• Suitable for simple slave field devices (barcode readers, ID systems, valve manifolds, I/O blocks)
• Enables operation without separate host processor for simple applications (control via synchronous serial shifting registers)
• Includes current netIC firmware for all protocols
• 10-year delivery guarantee
• Part number for board: 1540.000