STMicroelectronics (ST) has unveiled a ready-to-use IO-Link reference design for industrial beacons and home-appliance alarms. Delivered as a fully assembled board, the design includes a protocol stack and application software, offering a streamlined solution for developers.
The EVLIOL4LSV1 board integrates key ST components: the L6364Q dual-channel IO-Link transceiver for
communications and the IPS4260L intelligent low-side power switch for driving indicator lights.
This design connects seamlessly to smart signaling systems, including factory automation tower lights, material funnel alarms, and other system warnings.
The board also simplifies testing of the L6364Q and IPS4260L components, featuring a 4-pin M12 connector for IO-Link masters and a 5-pin SWD connector for programming.
At the core of the system is the STM32G071CB microcontroller, which hosts ST’s proprietary IO-Link demo stack and application software. The microcontroller handles system control and diagnostics, efficiently managing communication between the transceiver and power switch.
Technical Highlights
The L6364Q IO-Link transceiver is a robust communication component supporting standardized speeds, including 38.4kbit/s (COM2) and 230.4kbit/s (COM3). It features fully integrated protection, ensuring EMC immunity up to 2.5kVpk surge pulse/500Ω coupling without requiring additional protection elements. The transceiver also supports multiple operating modes, such as single-byte, multi-byte, and transparent, delegating IO-Link communication control to the microcontroller via a simple UART interface.
The IPS4260L low-side power switch provides four outputs, each individually programmable to handle currents ranging from 0.5A to 3.0A. Designed for flexibility, the switch operates across a wide voltage range from 8V to 50V, making it suitable for diverse load-driving applications. Integrated overload and overtemperature protection enhance reliability, while diagnostic capabilities—including alerts for open-load, overload, and overtemperature conditions—aid in system management and ensure robust performance.
The board also includes ST’s SMBJ30CA transient-voltage suppression (TVS) diode, which safeguards the supply rail against surge pulses with 2Ω coupling. This integration supports durability and ensures reliable operation in demanding industrial environments.
Typical Applications
The EVLIOL4LSV1 board is tailored for industrial and home-appliance alarm systems, enabling the rapid development of advanced signaling solutions. Smart tower lights, for example, are a key application, used in factory automation settings to visually indicate operational states or system alerts. Material funnel alarms are another use case, providing real-time notifications on material levels or signaling urgency to prevent production disruptions.
Additionally, the board supports the development of versatile system warning indicators, which can be employed across various industrial environments to ensure prompt and effective communication of system states, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
This design demonstrates ST’s continued innovation in industrial automation and offers a robust reference platform for implementing IO-Link communication and intelligent power switching in next-generation systems.
For more information on the EVLIOL4LSV1 board, please click here.
Source/Photo: STMicroelectronics
(Editor’s Note: All trademarks mentioned in this article, including company names, product names, and logos, are the property of their respective owners. Use of these trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement.)
