TOKYO, Japan, Mar 11, 2025 – Renesas Electronics Corp. has introduced the PROFINET-certified IRT and PROFIdrive software stack for its RZ/T and RZ/N series of microprocessors (MPU). The software versions are available for the RZ/T2M MPU designed for servo motor control applications, and the RZ/N2L for industrial internet gateway applications, such as remote-IO or industrial Ethernet devices. Using Renesas devices with this software stack eases the path for certification of customers’ devices.
The new stack is Renesas’ first certified PROFINET software solution that supports PROFINET IRT (Isochronous Real-Time) and PROFIdrive. PROFINET is an industrial Ethernet protocol used for communication in automation systems. It enables high-speed communication between industrial equipment. Its highest performance class, PROFINET IRT, allows precise and time-sensitive data transfer. This makes it suitable for servo drives, motion control systems, and other automation processes. It is widely used in manufacturing, robotics, and process control to ensure real-time operation.
“We are happy to extend our industrial Ethernet system support for the RZ/T and RZ/N series MPUs,” said Mohamed Dogar, vice president of embedded processing business acceleration at Renesas. “We expect the outstanding market success that we achieved with our RZ/T and RZ/N MPU series to further accelerate with the introduction of our network stack integration. PROFINET is the market leading industrial protocol, and we are delighted to have integrated the Siemens PROFINET IRT Device Development Kit on our devices.”
“We are thrilled that our cooperation with Renesas has led to their first certified PROFINET IRT solutions using the Siemens PROFINET Device Development Kit,” said Efrossini Tsouchnika, vice president control at Siemens Digital Industries. “Industrial customers can now enjoy seamless integration options provided by Renesas within the PROFINET ecosystem, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as Renesas invests in future iterations of the PROFINET technology.”
PROFINET stack on Renesas’ RZ/T and RZ/N Series Processors
The implementation of Renesas’ certified PROFINET IRT stack includes all features required in industrial equipment communication including PROFINET RT (Real-Time) communication. The software supports cyclic data exchange with a PROFINET IO controller and can handle diagnostic, process, and status alarms, and plug and pull alarms. It assigns IP addresses and device names via PROFINET and through the device application. It also includes fast startup functionality, shared device support, media redundancy (MRP), and system redundancy (S2).
PROFIdrive Simplifies Process to Embed Drive Systems
PROFIdrive allows integrating variable speed drives, servo motors, and other motion control devices into automation systems, ensuring communication and operation. It standardizes data exchange among devices, sharing parameters like speed, torque, and position. The parameters are pivotal for precise control of drives. PROFIdrive also supports real-time communication using PROFINET IRT and regular ethernet, providing flexibility for various industrial uses.
PROFIdrive Profile on Renesas’ RZ/T and RZ/N MPUs
Renesas implemented a certified PROFIdrive application example for Application Class 4. This includes the implementation of a drive object with a speed setpoint interface. It supports cyclic data exchange via standard telegrams 1, 2, and 3, as well as acyclic data exchange through the PROFIdrive parameter channel. Additionally, the application encompasses PROFIdrive diagnostics and the state machine for the PROFIdrive General State Machine. It includes the PROFIdrive encoder channel with its respective encoder state machine and offers the simulation of a drive control system.
PROFINET Demonstration at embedded world 2025
Renesas will showcase its PROFINET IRT solution at embedded world 2025 in Nuremburg, Germany from March 11-13.
Source: Renesas
About Renesas Electronics Corp.
Renesas Electronics Corp. is a Japanese semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company specializes in research, development, design, manufacture, sale, and servicing semiconductor products. Renesas offers a portfolio that includes microcontrollers, analog products, power devices, and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. The products serve various industries, notably automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and Internet of Things (IoT) sectors. As of Dec. 31, 2024, Renesas employs approximately 21,204 individuals worldwide. In the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Renesas reported revenue of approximately ¥1,348.5 billion, while the company’s operating profit for the same period was approximately ¥223.0 billion.