Hilscher introduces comX 90CN for compact industrial devices

Hilscher North America has launched the comX 90CN, an embedded communication module engineered to deliver secure, multiprotocol industrial connectivity within space-constrained devices. Unlike standard embedded modules that feature fixed, pre-soldered connectors, the comX 90CN eliminates onboard network ports. This architectural shift enables original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to route and position physical connectors directly on their own device baseboards, significantly streamlining mechanical design and integration across compact field devices, robotic end-effectors, drives, and specialized automation hardware.

Multiprotocol support and compact architecture
Built around Hilscher’s netX 90 system-on-chip (SoC) communication controller, the comX 90CN retains the proven feature set of the established comX 90 series while adopting a compact 30 × 70 mm form factor. The module supports a comprehensive range of Real-Time Ethernet protocols via downloadable firmware stacks, including PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus/TCP, CC-Link IE Field Basic, POWERLINK, and Sercos. Furthermore, the unit supports simultaneous Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) protocols, including OPC UA and MQTT, enabling seamless data flow for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance without impacting real-time control.

Built-in hardware security features
As industrial networks face heightened cybersecurity scrutiny, the comX 90CN leverages the native security architecture of the netX 90 processor. The module incorporates hardware-assisted cryptographic engines, Secure Boot verification, user access control, and robust certificate and key management. These integrated hardware functions ensure that connected field instrumentation can meet evolving cybersecurity standards without placing an excessive processing burden on the host microcontroller. With the addition of the comX 90CN, developers can select either standard pre-configured connectors or the connector-free variant to match their mechanical constraints.

Additional Context: Decoupling physical layer connectors in embedded design
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement.

In compact industrial instrumentation, physical RJ45 or M12 connectors represent a primary bottleneck for internal enclosure packaging, thermal dissipation, and ingress protection (IP rating) design. Traditional plug-and-play communication modules fix the physical orientation and form factor of these connectors, forcing mechanical engineers to adapt the entire device housing around the third-party board. By omitting the connectors and exposing the physical layer (PHY) signals via high-density host board headers, the comX 90CN decouples the communication controller logic from mechanical termination. This allows OEMs to position right-angle, slimline, or high-durability sealed connectors anywhere on the baseboard, optimize high-speed signal routing, and preserve strict IP67/IP69K sealing envelopes without sacrificing multiprotocol flexibility.

Edited by an industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas, with AI assistance.

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