Noris Network AG

Press Release

Synapticon expands its range of SOMANET modules

High-performance sensor module for constructing cyber-physical systems

Gruibingen (Germany), 26November 2013 – Synapticon GmbH is set to showcase a new sensor board at SPS IPC DRIVES (Hall 1, Booth 151) in Nuremberg, Germany.The SOMANET IFM GPIO-A/USB module measures just 35 x 35 x 7mm and features four analogue inputs, high-resolution analogue-digital converters, 20 digital I/Os, a USB interface and an 8MB data buffer.It is a part of the SOMANET modular system for distributed real-time systems, which Synapticon uses to provide the first extensive platform for the development of cyber-physical systems that provide for work on flexible automation solutions and autonomous robotic systems.Like all other SOMANET modules, the new sensor module makes it possible to combine various CPU and communication modules from the SOMANET family with nodes from a distributed system.

SOMANET IFM GPIO-A/USB has four analogue inputs, each ten isolated digital inputs and outputs, three non-isolated digital I/Os and a USB interface. The analogue-digital converter has a 12-bit resolution with a sampling rate of 1Msps. There is an 8-core 32bit XMOS processor with 500MHz clock speed as well as an 8MB SDRAM buffer available to process sensor data locally. Via the new SOMANET module,any type of analogue and digital sensor in cyber-physical systems and flexible automation solutions can be used. The module is combined with SOMANET communication and processor modules to form a high-performance node for distributed systems, which can capture analogue and digital data, process it locally and communicate the results.

Welcome to the real world

Usingthe SOMANET kit concept, nodes for any distributed real-time task can be configured just by selecting the right modules and put them together. Various different ‘core’ modules provide scalable local computing capacity for these tasks via XMOS processors. ‘COM’ modules take on responsibility for communication (EtherCAT, WiFi, CAN-Bus etc.). “IFM stands for Interface Module and establishes the connection to the real world in each of the small stacks,” explains Nikolai Ensslen, CEO of Synapticon GmbH. “These are interfaces to actuators, such as field-oriented controls for brushless DC motors, or to sensors. The fact that we now have an analogue interface alongside a purely digital one represents an important step towards completing our SOMANET hardware platform.”

Images available

The images below can be downloaded from the Internet in printer-friendly format:

About Synapticon GmbH

Synapticon, established in 2010, is a young and international company based in Gruibingen, Baden-Württemberg, which develops innovative embedded systems to improve the robotics and automation technology of the future. Synapticon's DYNARC Distributed Computing Technology combines modular embedded hardware, model-based software engineering and a complete development environment to facilitate and accelerate the development process for manufacturers of complex products, machinery and facilities. Synapticon also operates as an engineering service provider.

Further information is available at

Press contact:

SYN1PI16_en.doc1/3