DP83869HM: DP83869HM Mediaconverter Mode for EtherCAT

Hi Alex, 

Would the customer be able to provide a block diagram? 
Normally, EtherCAT daisy chains PHYs. Is the customer trying to daisy chain media converters like such?
Also, is the customer trying to do 100M media converter, or 1000M media converter?

Best,
J

Hi J,

thanks for the fast reply.

Below would be the block diagram:

Coupler are used as a link between EtherCAT at fieldbus level and EtherCAT Terminals.

Mediaconverter would be in 100M configuration. On Mediaconverter PCB we would use straps for configuration.

Hi Alex,

Thank you for the information.

This configuration was never tested in etherCAT but it works functionally.

Only concern I would have is that this configuration will not be fully strappable and would require some register configuration for FLD.

Best,

J

Hi J,

thanks for your feedback.

Two questions remain open for us, maybe you could help:

1. Would this configuration work for 1000M (EtherCAT G) as well?
2. Why & how would we need to set FLD register? 

I hope these questions aren't too basic, but EtherCAT is a fairly new topic for us.

Best regards.

Hi Alex, 

Below is the requirement for EtherCAT G:


And DP83869 is one of the devices mentioned in Beckhoff's EtherCAT PHY Selection Guide. Therefore, DP83869 will work for EtherCAT G. 

For EtherCAT however, Beckhoff has different requirements and one of the requirements is FLD option. 
FLD option is needed in case the link has to be dropped in the EtherCAT network as Beckhoff has 10us link drop requirement for EtherCAT.

FLD can be set via this register:

For more information on EtherCAT, please refer to this app note from Beckhoff: https://download.beckhoff.com/download/document/io/ethercat-development-products/an_phy_selection_guidev3.2.pdf 

Best,
J

J,

thank you for this constructive feedback, it's been very helpful.

Best regards,

Alex

Hi Alex

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Best,

J