I have a question about using the AM4377 in a redundancy mode using EtherCAT. We will be employing this processor with EtherCAT in a new system. It will use multiple modules, some processors and others IO. All will be connected via EtherCAT. We require redundancy between the processor modules. If the Master fails the Standby processor needs to take over. We have already developed and perfected this redundant system but using high speed multi-drop serial comms as the bussed architecture.
1) So, can anyone suggest a solution that allows a Standby processor to begin generating Ethernet (EtherCAT) frames if the Master processor fails in firmware or hardware? We already have a solution that maintains a mirror image of the database between the two processor modules so that in our existing system, when one processor fails, the other can take over.
2) There are a number of scenarios here. Our system is running Linux and our system application. This is what is most prone to failure. Is it true then in an EtherCAT connected system using the AM4377, that if the main core systems (Linux) fail, that the EtherCAT implementation in the PRU ICSS will keep running and generating frames and relaying data coming upstream back to downstream slave devices (for instance)?
Okay, possibly my understanding of Master and Slave EtherCAT relationships is incorrect. I read somewhere that you can have muiltiple EtherCAT Masters on the same EtherCAT 'circuit'. All Master and Slave functionality will be implemented in the AM4377 devices. External PC's are not involved in this application, other than to communicate with the processor modules via standard Ethernet IP, over separate ports.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Regards, Steve.