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AM2431: AM243x Launchpad as Ethercat Master?

Markel Robregado
Guru 86865 points

Part Number: AM2431

Hi,

I would like to know if it is okay to use AM243x Launchpad as Ethercat Master. According to your training materials, the recommended is AM64x Starter kit. Any advantage of using AM64x Starter kit as Ethercat Master compared to using AM243x Launchpad as Ethercat Master?

-kel

  • +1
    TI__Mastermind 19125 points

    Hello Markel, 

    Apologies for the delayed response

    To my knowledge, it should be possible to use AM243x Launchpad as an EtherCAT master if you choose an EtherCAT master stack that can operate with RTOS. In theory EtherCAT latency/cycle time performance should be much better on AM243x because of the R cores. The AM64x features both R cores and A cores. If the R cores are used on the AM64x for EtherCAT master then the performance should be similar to the AM243x. 

    The main advantage of the AM64x is that if you choose to run an EtherCAT master stack that runs on Linux then you have the option of running it on the A cores. But from my understanding, the EtherCAT master cycle time performance you get with Linux won't be as good as what you would get with RTOS so it's important to keep in mind if your timing requirements are very strict or not for your EtherCAT use-case.

    You can see a list of EtherCAT Master 3rd party stacks that we have tested with in the past:  [FAQ] How to Setup an EtherCAT Network using TI Processors 

    If you are considering AM243x I would recommend IBV's EtherCAT Master stack as they have extensive experience working with TI AM64x/AM243x devices. Please see their benchmarking paper showing the performance of AM64x/AM243x RTOS EtherCAT Master: https://www.ibv-augsburg.de/downloads/icECAT_EtherCAT_Master_Stack_Benchmark.pdf 

    Please let us know if you have additional questions.

    -Daolin