Orca app-specific analogue for Industry 4.0

  • November 20, 2024
  • William Payne

Orca Semiconductor has launched a communications transceiver designed to broaden OT intelligence available to Industry 4.0 applications. The OS2000 IO-Link is designed to enable bi-directional communication between sensors, actuators, and control systems. It aims to boost productivity, improve efficiency and reduce downtime throughout the factory floor.

Orca Semi launched the OS1000, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) product for wearables, in June.

Orca’s OS2000 is an IO-Link communication transceiver that can be used in either IO-Link master or device applications and features two control interface options: I2C or GPIO (general input output). The I2C mode allows control over advanced features and diagnostics not available in GPIO mode.

OS2000 integrates features to simplify designs. This includes two linear voltage regulators, one digital input channel, an internal clock generator, and integrated surge protection for input power, CQ, and the digital input channel. The linear 5V voltage regulators may be bypassed if an external 5V source is available.

The internal clock generator may be used to provide an IO-Link timing-compliant clock to the system microcontroller, simplifying designs. It features five different output frequency options allowing it to work with most microcontrollers. OS2000 is designed to be footprint and function compatible with the MAX22515 from Analog Devices providing an easy direct replacement in any application.

Since early 2023, Orca Semi has defined the initial products with alpha customers and built a team of highly experienced engineers in Milan, Italy. The company executed three product tape-outs to date, accelerating to a first design win and purchase orders for late 2024 with a tier 1 wearable OEM.

“We are continuing our aggressive design and delivery of customised, application specific analogue products to fill the void neglected by Big Analog,” said Andrew Baker, CEO of Orca Semiconductor. “IO-Link transceivers are the backbone of Industry 4.0, driving intelligence on the factory floor by enabling seamless communication between devices. With increased factory data, manufacturers can boost productivity, reduce downtime, and optimise efficiency, significantly lowering operating costs and creating a more agile, intelligent manufacturing process. The OS2000 is Orca Semi’s first Smart Factory platform product to enable our more ambitious plans for more highly integrated innovative solutions in the near future.”