IXXAT presents an industrial ethernet module (IEM) that provides a generic solution for implementing different industrial ethernet protocols on FPGA devices. The IEM supports major protocols with a single hardware design and a generic host API, reducing development time and costs compared to implementing each protocol separately. It also offers pre-certification, future-proof upgrades, and an integration effort estimated at 3-5 months for the first protocol. Benefits include short time-to-market, low costs, and focusing on the application instead of communication details.

1. IXXAT
Industrial Ethernet Challenges and
Solutions with FPGA Devices
Learning Zone @
Embedded World 2010
© 2010 Altera Corporation—Public

2. IXXAT
Industrial Ethernet
Challenges and Solutions
with Altera FPGA Devices
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3. IXXAT Automation
IXXAT is a leading supplier for
innovative communication
systems for industrial and
automotive applications.
Established 1987 (IXXAT
Automation GmbH since
1998)
Over 20 years of profitable
growth
Represented in more than 15 countries worldwide
IXXAT
IXXAT Inc. US branch office in New Hampshire
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4. IXXAT
Challenge
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5. Industrial Ethernet Protocols and
Organisations (1)
Organisation Mainly driven by
PNO Siemens A&D
ODVA Rockwell Automation
ETG Beckhoff
EPSG Bernecker + Rainer
SI Bosch Rexroth
IXXAT
Modbus-IDA Schneider Electric
(1) Source: http://www.dke.de/de/Service/Nachrichten/Seiten/IEC%2061158.aspx
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6. Challenges (1)
Implementing different industrial ethernet protocols requires a
different approach for each standard
Each standard requires a separate software stack with a
different API
Each stack must be adapted to OS and/or TCP/IP stack
Each standard has onw requirements to bus interface
(layer 2)
Each standard defines own certification
Each standard requires different hardware design
IXXAT
Each standard “lives” and develops continuously
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7. IXXAT
Solution
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8. Product Vision
One generic design for a communication interface supporting all
major industrial Ethernet protocols for slave devices
One hardware for all industrial Ethernet protocols
Generic Host-API to allow implementation of application virtually
independent of the industrial Ethernet protocol
Easy to use implementation combined with high flexibility to allow
customer to focus on his core task and not on the communication
Pre-certification of hard- and software to provide safe
development basis for customers
Possibility of feature-upgrades as standards evolve
IXXAT
FPGA will be the development platform of choice
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9. General Concept
IOs Slave Node
FLASH
CPU
Customer application
Host API RAM
Host I/F
IEM
FLASH
FPGA
including stack and RAM
protocol specific IP
Ethernet JACKs
IXXAT
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10. Product Solution
IXXAT presents the Industrial Ethernet Module
Line topology
Modbus-TCP
Integrated switch or hub
Certified
Future proof
Full industrial temperature
range
Performance suitable for
IXXAT
motion application
IEEE1588
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11. Industrial Ethernet on FPGA
Products and Licenses
Available products
Industrial Ethernet Module (also HW/SW
customized versions are possible)
Evaluation Board for IE module
Available licenses
Design-in license for own designs
IXXAT
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12. Integration Effort and
Development Time
Effort and development time for the integration of an Ethernet
communication interface into a customer device based on the IEM:
Redesign of existing hardware for the integration 1 to 2 months
of IEM connector
Becoming familiar with IEM and Host API 1 month
(in parallel to hardware redesign using IEM
evaluation kit)
Initial implementation of Host API with 2 to 4 months (*)
application for a first industrial Ethernet protocol (implementation can be started with carrier
board and adapted host CPU or with host CPU
evaluation board and adapter for IEM)
Implementation of each additional industrial 1 to 2 months (*)
Ethernet protocol
Total development time for first protocol 3 to 5 months (*)
IXXAT
(until implementation is ready for system /
regression testing)
(*) depending on complexity of application and amount of data and parameter
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13. Benefits from using IXXAT
Industrial Ethernet IPs (1)
Short Time-To-Market
Low NRE cost
Assures customer’s investment
Redeem customer from handling the various protocol mechanisms
and parameters
All major Industrial Ethernet Protocols are supported
IPs can be integrated into customer specific designs
IXXAT
All IPs provide the same generic Host API to the customer
Simplified access for customer’s application
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14. Benefits from using IXXAT
Industrial Ethernet IPs (2)
Customer handles data objects, not bus specific objects
Dynamic mapping of process variables available with all protocols
Scalable according to cost and performance requirements
Easily extendable by additional mechanisms and functions
Available for extended temperature ranges
(-40° to +80° C and -40° to +110° C)
Low Power Designs possible (<= 1W)
IXXAT
Keep an already existing application CPU
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15. Thank you
IXXAT
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