RH4Z2502-PMOD Evaluation Module

Introduction

The Renesas RH4Z2502-PMOD Evaluation Module is an IO-Link Pmod board for evaluating the RH4Z2502 physical-layer transceiver with compatible RA2 MCU boards. It provides a practical development path for adding IO-Link connectivity to standard MCU hardware while supporting evaluation of a licensed IO-Link-compliant stack library without requiring an additional stack license.

Built around a single-channel IO-Link line-driver implementation, the module combines the physical-layer interface, voltage-level shifting, diagnostic support, and protection features needed to explore IO-Link device-side communication.

What it does

The RH4Z2502-PMOD Evaluation Module adds IO-Link functionality to compatible MCU boards through its Pmod-oriented form factor. It supports both 3.3 V and 5 V operation, allowing it to be used with MCU platforms operating at either logic-voltage level.

Communication is provided through a transparent UART interface, enabling the connected MCU to exchange data with the IO-Link physical layer without an additional protocol translation layer on the board. The module also includes wake-up detection and integrated diagnostic functions.

For power and output configuration, the board supports internal LDO operation as well as external NPN voltage-regulator modes. Its output current is configurable, and the RH4Z2502 implementation includes embedded surge, overload, overvoltage, and reverse-polarity protection features.

Applications

• Evaluation of the RH4Z2502 IO-Link physical-layer transceiver
• IO-Link device-interface development with compatible Renesas RA2 MCU boards
• Prototyping single-channel IO-Link sensor or actuator interfaces
• UART-based MCU firmware development for IO-Link physical-layer communication
• Investigation of IO-Link wake-up detection, diagnostics, and protection behavior
• Industrial automation interface development using Pmod-compatible MCU platforms

Design considerations

The module is intended for RH4Z2502 evaluation and is designed to work with compatible RA2 MCU boards, so connector compatibility and the available MCU UART interface should be verified during system integration.

Designs using the board can operate at either 3.3 V or 5 V, but the selected supply and logic environment should match the attached MCU platform. The available internal-LDO and external-NPN regulator modes also need to be considered when planning the board’s power arrangement and output-current configuration.

As a single-channel IO-Link solution, the module is suited to evaluating one IO-Link interface at a time. The board’s built-in protection features can assist during development, but system-level protection requirements remain dependent on the intended end application and its external wiring environment.

Availability and further information

The Mouser Electronics source link on this page provides distributor information for the RH4Z2502-PMOD Evaluation Module. Refer to the linked datasheet and evaluation-board documentation for detailed setup instructions, supported operating configurations, pin information, and guidance for use with compatible RA2 MCU boards.