• State
  • Replies 2 replies
  • Subscribers 83 subscribers
  • Views 32 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Support feedback
Options
Options
Related

LAUNCHXL-F28P65X: EtherCAT support

yuvraj patil
Prodigy 10 points

Part Number: LAUNCHXL-F28P65X
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: LP-AM243, C2000WARE

Dear TI Support Team,

We are planning to use EtherCAT for cell-to-cell communication in a multi-stage Solid-State Transformer (SST) application.

Currently, we are using the LAUNCHXL-F28P65X for FSI communication and other application/control algorithms. Since the F28P65X supports EtherCAT SubDevice functionality, we are planning to continue using the same controller as an EtherCAT SubDevice.

For the EtherCAT MainDevice, we are evaluating the LP-AM243, using its PRU-ICSSG-based industrial Ethernet capabilities.

For our initial proof-of-concept, we would like to quickly demonstrate EtherCAT communication with the LAUNCHXL-F28P65X as a SubDevice, using a PC running TwinCAT as the EtherCAT MainDevice.

We found the EtherCAT SubDevice example projects for the LAUNCHXL-F28P65X in C2000ware. However, we are currently unable to build the example because it requires the EtherCAT SubDevice source code, which appears to be generated using the EtherCAT SSC Tool.

We have already applied for EtherCAT Technology Group membership and requested access to the SSC Tool, but we understand that the membership process may take some time.

Could you please advise:

  1. Is there any quick-start guide, application note, or pre-generated EtherCAT SubDevice example that we can use to quickly demonstrate EtherCAT communication with the LAUNCHXL-F28P65X?

  2. Is there any alternative way to build and run the existing F28P65X EtherCAT SubDevice example without waiting for the SSC Tool, for example using pre-generated source files or another TI-provided package?

  3. For the initial demonstration, we are planning to use Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 on a PC as the EtherCAT MainDevice. Is this a recommended approach, or is there another TI-supported PC-based EtherCAT MainDevice solution you would recommend?

Future development – LP-AM243 MainDevice

For the next phase, we are planning to use the LP-AM243 as the EtherCAT MainDevice.

From our initial investigation, we understand that commercial EtherCAT MainDevice stacks for AM243x may be available from vendors such as Acontis and IBV.

Could you please advise:

  • Which EtherCAT MainDevice stack options are currently supported/recommended for AM243x?

  • Is there a TI-recommended EtherCAT MainDevice stack for the LP-AM243?

  • Are there any TI reference applications or example projects for implementing an EtherCAT MainDevice on AM243x?

  • Which stack would you recommend for getting started with an AM243x-based EtherCAT MainDevice proof-of-concept?

Our main requirement is fast and deterministic cyclic communication between multiple SST stages, so we would also appreciate any recommendations regarding the appropriate AM243x EtherCAT architecture and software stack.

Any documentation, application notes, example projects, or recommended development flow would be very helpful.