Other Parts Discussed in Thread: AMIC110,
Hello, I'm trying to figure out the landscape of the features and licensing models for using this processor on an EtherCAT project. I have spent a lot of time trying to figure it all out.
My current EtherCAT-enabled design is on an AMIC110, and is based on the Beckhoff SSC. This new design will use the AM2432. I have both technical and licensing questions on the EtherCAT supported on each Feature code.
My understanding is that the "F" code supports the TI integrated stack, while the "E" version supports third-party stacks, like the Beckhoff SSC. The "D" code does not support any EtherCAT implementations.
For the "E" version, I must get the SSC stack from the ETG, and compile it myself. This is what I currently have for the AMIC110 application. So with minimal (!) work this should compile and run on this version.
For the "F" version, the TI stack is embedded somehow, and I would interact with it via an API. Does the "F" version also support the Beckhoff SSC stack?
Now, on to licensing. Please confirm my understanding.
If I use the Beckhoff SSC code, I get a license for that code from ETG, correct?
If I use the TI embedded stack, I get the license for the stack by purchasing the processor with the "F" code, correct?
Finally, Is there a technical advantage of using the TI stack over the Beckhoff stack? Is it smaller or faster? Is the code to interact with it cleaner or easier in some way?
Thanks!
John Ford
