Part Number: AM2634
Tool/software:
This FAQ will cover following questions:
On AM26x family of microcontrollers we have PRU ICSS co-processor, which is a firmware programmable module that can take on various personalities like Ethernet Switch, Ethernet MAC, Industrial Drives, etc.
EtherCAT HW accelerator refers to capability of PRU ICSS to function as EtherCAT Sub device. In the below snippet parts with E,F,L and M support EtherCAT Subdevice functionality in PRU ICSS. For more details on EtherCAT Subdevice refer to EtherCAT. Please note to use the EtherCAT accelerator, you need to get the EtherCAT Subdevice stack which is available for ETG members as part of their membership. More details here ETG FAQ
Integrated Industrial protocols from TI is and add-on feature available on AM26x R5F Arm® core micro-controller families. This add-on is designed to simplify Industrial communication with a pre-certified multiprotocol stack for the Industrial Ethernet protocol and IO-Link standard. More details here.
3P stacks: You have an option to engage with our third-party partners for Industrial communications stacks. Check the partner directory here.
PRU only vs PRU ICSS - If the customer wants to use Ethernet based functionality of PRU ICSS, then parts which mentions PRU ICSS is recommended (i.e D,E etc.). It has the MII module enabled in PRU Subsystem enabling Standard Ethernet functionality. Whereas parts like C and J would not have MII enabled thus ethernet based use cases cannot be exercised with them.
Ethernet IP & ProfiNET: Parts with PRU ICSS enable can be used. It supports standard ethernet as well as Ethernet IP and ProfiNET.
Please note the EtherCAT Subdevice stack provided with integrated stack offering is a trial version only. To obtain a full version of stack you will need an ETG membership which includes ESC stack code and other conformance software. This is in accordance with ETG and Beckoff licensing terms. For more info please refer to the ETG website (https://www.ethercat.org/default.htm) and ETG FAQ
