Industrial automation systems are made up of major components that are connected to each other by low-latency and real-time high-speed communications. TI Sitara's resident industrial automation expert, Srik Gurrapu, has written an article published in ECN that dives into detail. Follow this link to read the article: http://www.ecnmag.com/articles/2013/02/connected-devices-keep-heart-industrial-automation-beating
If you are looking for a platform in which to develop your industrial automation design which may include industrial communications protocols such as ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT or others then take a look at TI Sitara's Industrial Communications Engine (TMDXICE3359) and Industrial Development Kit (TMDXIDK3359). These kits are powered by TI Sitara ARM Cortex-A8 AM3359 processor.
Alejandro Erives, Sitara Brand Manager, sometimes throws a boot out the window when the EtherCAT's of the neighborhood start meowing too loudly.
