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TMDSIDK572: Where to start for developing an Ethercat Master?

Part Number: TMDSIDK572

Hi,

We are trying to develop our own ethercat master. We came across two reference designs for ethercat master on the TI webiste 

1. https://www.ti.com/lit/ug/tidubz1b/tidubz1b.pdf?ts=1615554554440&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F

2. https://www.ti.com/lit/ug/tiduaf8a/tiduaf8a.pdf?ts=1615539993793&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F

We wanted to understand which are the latest processors which TI suggests for developing a class A Ethercat master. It seems like TI is suggesting to use the Sitara range of processors but there are many options to choose from.

Which are the newest processors which we can use ?

Are there IDKs available for these processors?

Are there reference designs for implementing an ethercat master?

What document should we refer to start the design process?

Or should we just follow one of the two links I've shared to start the design process?

Some help regarding this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Rohan

  • Hi Rohan,

    • EtherCAT is supported only on Sitara and a few Jacinto devices from TI which have a PRU-ICSS module which is required for EtherCAT implementation.
    • EtherCAT master is not supported directly by TI. You can follow the App note and work with 3P like Acontis or port the IgH master.
    • TI supports only EtherCAT slave directly.
    • The latest processors to support EtherCAT are AM65x and AM64x . AM64x support is not yet public for another few months and access is provided based on request only
    • Yes, IDK's are available for testing. Search for the processor parts on TI.com
    • For starting the design process, you can refer to the reference designs you referenced earlier.
    • In case of issues, please reach out via your TI representative

    Regards

    Vineet

  • Hi,

    Also, please take a look at this training resource

    https://training.ti.com/ethercat-master-sitara-processors

    Regards

    Vineet