Hilscher COMX 51CA - RE – SPI Multi-Protocol Real-Time Ethernet Embedded Communication Module (Official Model Designation: COMX 51CA - RE – SPI)
The Hilscher COMX 51CA - RE – SPI is a compact, industrial-grade embedded communication module designed for integration into edge devices, industrial controllers, and IoT gateways, specializing in multi-protocol Real-Time Ethernet (RTE) connectivity via an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) host link. It enables target embedded systems to establish high-speed, deterministic data communication with RTE-enabled equipment (e.g., PLCs, motion drives, smart sensors) in factory automation, robotics, and precision manufacturing. As a key member of Hilscher’s COMX series—renowned for its small form factor, low power consumption, and modular protocol support—it features a hardware-accelerated RTE core and flexible SPI host interface. This design simplifies integration into resource-constrained embedded platforms, ensures compatibility with diverse RTE networks, and meets the real-time demands of industrial IoT (IIoT) applications.
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The Hilscher COMX 51CA - RE – SPI is a compact, industrial-grade embedded communication module designed for integration into edge devices, industrial controllers, and IoT gateways, specializing in multi-protocol Real-Time Ethernet (RTE) connectivity via an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) host link. It enables target embedded systems to establish high-speed, deterministic data communication with RTE-enabled equipment (e.g., PLCs, motion drives, smart sensors) in factory automation, robotics, and precision manufacturing. As a key member of Hilscher’s COMX series—renowned for its small form factor, low power consumption, and modular protocol support—it features a hardware-accelerated RTE core and flexible SPI host interface. This design simplifies integration into resource-constrained embedded platforms, ensures compatibility with diverse RTE networks, and meets the real-time demands of industrial IoT (IIoT) applications.
Hilscher COMX 51CA - RE – SPI: A compact embedded module supporting multi-protocol Real-Time Ethernet via SPI. It enables deterministic data exchange for edge devices in factory automation, with low power consumption for IoT gateways.
6. Product Description
1. Protocol Support (Per Hilscher Official Design)
Supports a comprehensive set of industrial Real-Time Ethernet protocols via modular firmware, adhering to global standards:
PROFINET IRT/RT: Compliant with IEC 61158-3-10/EN 50170, enabling cycle times as low as 125 µs (IRT) for motion control and 1 ms (RT) for general automation.
EtherCAT: Certified to ETG (EtherCAT Technology Group) standards, supporting distributed clock synchronization (≤ 100 ns accuracy) and fast process data transfer.
Ethernet/IP: ODVA-compliant, with support for CIP Sync (IEEE 1588 PTP) and CIP Motion for coordinated multi-device operations.
Modbus TCP: IEC 61158-3-14 compliant, for non-real-time data logging and device configuration in legacy and modern networks.
All protocols support cyclic process data exchange (for real-time control) and acyclic messaging (for parameterization/diagnostics), with configurable master/slave roles (except Modbus TCP, client/server).
2. Hardware Specifications (Based on Hilscher COMX Series Standards)
Physical Form Factor: Ultra-compact embedded module (approx. 22 mm × 30 mm × 5 mm), designed for surface-mount (SMT) integration into custom PCBs. RoHS-compliant, lead-free package suitable for high-volume manufacturing of edge devices.
Power Requirements: Single +3.3 V DC supply (± 10%), with typical current consumption ≤ 180 mA (active mode) and ≤ 10 µA (sleep mode). Low power profile ideal for battery-powered IoT gateways or energy-constrained industrial controllers.
Integrated Memory: 128 KB SRAM (for real-time data buffering) and 512 KB Flash (for firmware/configuration storage). SRAM supports process data sizes up to 4 KB (input) / 4 KB (output) per protocol, ensuring efficient handling of high-volume automation data.
Connector Interface:
Host Interface: SPI v1.1 (Serial Peripheral Interface) with clock speeds up to 50 MHz, supporting full-duplex communication. Includes 4-wire (SCLK, MOSI, MISO, CS) and optional interrupt line for event-driven data transfer to the host MCU (e.g., ARM Cortex-M, RISC-V).
Ethernet Interface: Integrated 10/100 Base-T PHY (IEEE 802.3) with MII/RMII support. Designed for direct PCB routing to external RJ45 connectors, supporting CAT 5e/CAT 6 twisted-pair cabling. Features galvanic isolation (500 V DC, 1 minute) to protect against ground loops in industrial environments.
Certifications: UL 508 certified for industrial control equipment, CE marked for EMC compliance (EN 61000-6-2 industrial environment, EN 61000-6-4 generic immunity), and protocol-specific certifications (ETG 2.0 for EtherCAT, ODVA for Ethernet/IP). Validates safe operation in harsh industrial conditions.