This white paper describes the use of FPGA devices to deliver a multi-standard Industrial Ethernet capability from a single printed circuit board implementation. The benefits of FPGA implementation are described and an overview of the FPGA development flow, tools, and technology used to create a universal but easy to maintain solution is given.
Introduction
Since its conception by Xerox in the mid-seventies and standardization as IEEE 802.3 in 1983, Ethernet has become the de facto standard for computer communication in the business world. Ethernet networks have evolved from coaxial cable-based systems delivering 3-Mbps performance to systems built from unshielded twisted pair (Cat5 UTP) cables that can deliver high reliability, low cost, and 100-Mbps performance. With devices capable of 1-GbE already in the market and 10-GbE visibly on the horizon, the continuous evolution of Ethernet will continue to service market requirements long into the future.
The range, availability, and ease of implementation of Ethernet, combined with the pressure to integrate the factory system with the corporate network, drove industrial developers to create Ethernet-based industrial networking solutions that would be compatible with, or even replace, industrial fieldbus communication solutions. Today there are many Ethernet-based industrial communication protocols, each with their own individual pros and cons. Some of these protocols have been standardized and/or made “open” so that any developer can create an implementation of the protocol. Naturally, the open protocols tend to be more popular and used more widely across the industry.
Some solutions simply package fieldbus or application data into standard Ethernet packets and so require nothing more than a standard Ethernet implementation. However, many industrial Ethernet protocols require additional custom software, and most higher performance protocols require custom hardware as well, making it difficult to develop and maintain a solution that supports multiple protocols.
Not only are there many protocols, but they continue to evolve, leveraging changes in the base Ethernet standard and improvements in technology. In order to compete, industrial equipment manufacturers must find a cost-effective way to support as many Industrial Ethernet protocols as possible and be able to quickly adopt protocol changes, support new protocols, and incorporate other system improvements.
Implementing A Universal Industrial Ethernet Solution
Engineering a solution to support many protocols is clearly possible-all that is needed is a series of plug-in boards, one for each protocol. But with the number of standards on the market and their constant evolution, how can a solution be cost effective while supporting new features and additional protocols in a timely manner? Where standard Ethernet hardware is used, protocol software must be developed or ported to run on the chosen device. How much time will this take and will the CPU have enough processing power to run the application and the protocol?
When new Industrial Ethernet ASIC/ASSP devices are required, circuit boards must be developed, bringing all the costs and delays involved with developing new hardware. When the Ethernet protocol is upgraded, new devices will be developed and multiple versions of board may be required to support both legacy and new versions of the protocol.
Author: Stefano J. Zammattio, Product Manager, European Product Marketing
Mr. Zammattio’s focus is on Altera’s Nios II processor and SOPC Builder products. Mr. Zammattio has been involved in the computing and electronics industry since 1987 and holds a BSc in Physics from the University of Essex and a MSc in Medical Electronics from the University of London.
