Created by German company Rosenberger, it uses 60GHz transceivers built around STMicroelectronics’ ST60A2 wireless chip.
“Due to increasing automation, more and more electromechanical systems used in industrial plants are being connected to one another,” according to Rosenberger. “The advantage of contactless transmission is that electromechanical couplings are no longer required, while the radio technology offers a high degree of additional flexibility, for example at times when systems need to be changed.”
Conceptual antenna to link ICs back-to-back for a low-profile frying-pan-like RoProxCon
According to the company, its devices are transparent – data can be transmitted regardless of the protocol used, allowing 10/100/1000BASE-T1, EtherNetIP, Profinet and EtherCAT to be sent and received, for example.
“Furthermore, real-time capability is guaranteed,” it claimed. “Use in time-critical applications, for example automation technology, is therefore possible without restriction.”
Angular misalignment up to ±45° is acceptable, the endpoints can spin relative to one another around their cylindrical axes, and sealing is hermetic, it added.
The ST60A2 chip operates over -40 to +105°C and occupies 2.2 x 2.2mm. Consumption is 70mW.
“Customers across the full range of electronics applications have expressed interest in this transceiver and several have shared their need for a module that includes the antenna. Our cooperation project with Rosenberger delivers on that need,” said ST general manager Laurent Malier.
RoProxCon web page