There are three levels of kit. Kit 1 is an evaluation kit for ‘first timers’ and aims to teach them the technical basics and benefits of CC-Link. It includes an embedded network adaptor, which is simply added to a field device to make it compatible with a CC-Link network. It also includes registration with the CLPA to provide access to technical and commercial support.
The Intermediate Kit (Kit 2) includes CC-Link network ASICs and is intended to allow an actual product that handles digital I/O only to be developed. Hence companies whose main product lines are devices such as I/O, valve blocks and other simpler “on-off” type of devices will want to take this route.
The Advanced Kit (Kit 3) opens up the full capabilities of CC-Link, by using a more sophisticated ASIC to handle word and bit data handling. This is complete CC-Link device functionality. Yet despite the advanced features, implementation is straightforward as the ASIC handles all the network communications transparently, allowing the designer to concentrate on the product features. For companies who are looking to implement devices that handle more complex data, such as analogue values, this would be the kit to choose.
Full details of each kit are available by visiting the CLPA website and selecting the “Technical Resources” section.