The AL5000 is a silicon chip designed to receive Art-Net Ethernet and generate two universes of DMX512. The product has been developed to provide own equipment manufacturers with a simple and cost effective route to add Ethernet connectivity to existing DMX512 products. The product will also find application in the fast turnaround - custom development arena.

The product offers a high level of component integration by combining microprocessor, memory and Ethernet ‘Phy’ in one package. In fact, the developer need only add a crystal, an Ethernet transformer and an RS485 driver to implement a full solution.

The AL5000 is the first device in a range that will evolve over the coming year. Artistic Licence plan to integrate the ESTA ACN E1.31 protocol when it is released.

The product is supplied as a 112 pin LQFP package and operates at 3.3V. It provides no-multiplexed pins for direct connection of universe address switches. A total of eight LED drive signals are included providing indication of 10/100BaseT operation, Ethernet transmit and receive, Ethernet link status, jabber, Art-Net connectivity and dynamic DMX512 status. The Ethernet interface is auto sensing for both 10BaseT and 100BaseT. An evaluation module will also be available.

What makes the AL5000 Innovative? It is the first single chip Ethernet solution for the Entertainment Industry. It provides low pain – low cost route to market for OEMs.