AM6548: EtherCAT MAC to MAC connection

Rich Chen

Part Number: AM6548

Dear Sir,

Is is possible to take PRU0 as EtherCAT salve and route one of Mii interface to PRU1 (assuming EtherCAT slave as well) one of the Mii port directly without PHY?

Or external PHY is required mandatory? Is there any limitation to use MAC to MAC?

BR, Rich

over 6 years ago

0 Garrett Ding over 6 years ago

TI__Mastermind 43296 points

Rich,

Do you mean something like below? Any background on the requirement?

Regards,
Garrett

0 Rich Chen over 6 years ago in reply to Garrett Ding

TI__Expert 4290 points

Garrett,

Yes, it is correct and what exactly want to us.

The connection will be on PCB through traces.

The main reason is saving PHY on both MAC sides.

Assuming one PRU-ICSS is EtherCAT salve node and daisy chain to another PRU-ICSS for another EtherCAT salve node.

Will there be limitation to use MAC to MAC mode?

BR, Rich

0 Garrett Ding over 6 years ago in reply to Rich Chen

TI__Mastermind 43296 points

Hi Rich,

It's unclear how features like link detection and port state management works without MDIO, which is essential in EtherCAT. There are also additional risk due to reduced latency for communication (due to missing PHYs)…

Regards,
Garrett

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AM6548: EtherCAT MAC to MAC connection