AM2432: Profinet topology for IO-Device using AM2432

Hi

Moonil Heo said:

Q1) Can IO-device using AM2432 be connected to ring topology? it may require MRP(Media Redundancy Protocol). Does TI support this protocol along with AM243x?

At this point of time, MRP is not supported. I will get back with more details.

Moonil Heo said:

Q2) If we use a line topology, there is a concern about overall Profinet disconnection due to one IO-device DOWN(CPU is not working for some reason but power is ON) in the Profinet network. In my understanding, IO-Device using AM234x should be configured as "Switch Mode" (in sysconfig) in this line topology, right? In the case that one IO-Device is DOWN, can the Switching operation of the downed IO-Device still work and not harm the network? For the switching operation of AM243x in this case, can you let me know any guidance that must be considered for configuration in sysconfig or h/w design if any?

Yes, ICSS-EMAC is configured in switch mode only. Can you share more details on what do you mean by "IO-Device is DOWN"? During the initialization, Profinet device firmware is loaded into PRU cores. If it is loaded properly and PRU cores are running, switching will occur as expected.

Regards
Dhaval Khandla

Hi Dhaval,

For Q1), if MRP is not supported, does it mean Ring topology is not supported in the latest release?

For Q2), this question is still about whether the problematic IO-device harms the overall Profinet network in line topology OR can still forward packets to another device without causing the network disconnection. Do you mean, once Profinet device firmware is loaded into PRU cores and PRU cores are running, PRU independently operates as a switch(packet forwarding and so on) regardless of arm core operation and its status. for example, how about the case that arm core application is crashed, PRU is still properly working? I would like to know the minimum requirement for the independent switching operation of PRU.

Regards,

Moonil

Hi Dhaval,

Could you comment on Moonil's question about MRP availability and timeline for the support of this?

Can you also confirm that MRP is absolutely needed for a Profinet Ring architecture? We think it does.

Regards,

--Gunter

Hi
Sorry for the delay in response. We will provide answers by end of this week.

Regards
Dhaval Khandla

Hi
Yes, MRP is needed for Ring architecture.

Moonil Heo said:

For Q2), this question is still about whether the problematic IO-device harms the overall Profinet network in line topology OR can still forward packets to another device without causing the network disconnection. Do you mean, once Profinet device firmware is loaded into PRU cores and PRU cores are running, PRU independently operates as a switch(packet forwarding and so on) regardless of arm core operation and its status. for example, how about the case that arm core application is crashed, PRU is still properly working? I would like to know the minimum requirement for the independent switching operation of PRU.

If the Profinet Device firmware is running, switching will be functional irrespective of ARM core's status.

Please check following link for details on watchdog functionality provided by Profinet Device FWHAL driver. If this is enabled, then firmware stops sending PPM frames if application has crashed.

https://software-dl.ti.com/mcu-plus-sdk/esd/AM64X/08_01_00_36/exports/docs/api_guide_am64x/PROFINET_DEVICE_FWHAL.html#autotoc_md713

Regards
Dhaval Khandla