SDAA324 April   2026 AM62L

 

  1.   1
  2.   Abstract
  3.   Trademarks
  4. 1Introduction
  5. 2Overview of Industrial Communication Protocols
    1. 2.1 Components of Industrial Communication Systems
    2. 2.2 Evolution from Serial Fieldbus to Industrial Ethernet
  6. 3Market Trends and Multi-Protocol Requirements
    1. 3.1 Market Scale of Industrial Ethernet
    2. 3.2 Reality of Multi-Protocol Coexistence
    3. 3.3 Necessity of Unified Platforms
    4. 3.4 Core Value of TI's Multi-Protocol Design
  7. 4Technical Introduction of Mainstream Industrial Protocols
    1. 4.1 EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology)
    2. 4.2 PROFINET RT/IRT (Real-Time Industrial Ethernet)
    3. 4.3 EtherNet/IP (Common Industrial Protocol)
  8. 5TI Processors' Multi-Protocol Support Design
    1. 5.1 Key Technology: PRU-ICSS Subsystem
    2. 5.2 Multi-Protocol Architecture Multi-Protocol
    3. 5.3 Processor Selection Matrix
    4. 5.4 Industrial Protocol Support Matrix
    5. 5.5 Software Development Engagement Models
  9. 6Summary
  10. 7References

6 Summary

TI Sitara processor series, through integrated PRU-ICSS subsystem, provide a unified hardware platform supporting mainstream industrial Ethernet protocols. Their multi-protocol solution offers the following advantages:

Core Value

  1. Single Chip Design: Supporting multiple protocols with protocol selection achieved through firmware switching
  2. Industry-Leading Performance: EtherCAT achieving <700ns end-to-end latency, PROFINET supporting 31.25 μs cycle time
  3. Complete Ecosystem: Integrated solution from chip through software stack, development tools, and technical support
  4. Cost-Effectiveness: Over 30% cost reduction compared to FPGA and ASIC designs
  5. Long-Term Support: Ensuring stable product lifecycle and longevity

Problem solved

Scalability and Reusability

  • Flexible product portfolio with all required components (PHY, power management, and so on) available
  • Pre-certified protocol stacks enable rapid transition to customized applications
  • Single point of contact from SoC through all protocol designs

Development Efficiency

  • Single hardware platform supporting all Ethernet-based protocols
  • Same tools and development framework applicable across all protocols
  • Typically only one file requires modification for user application development

Future Protection and Support

  • ICSS + PRU architecture supports adding new low-level features without requiring new SOC
  • Long-term support policy ensures stable product lifecycle
  • Flexible hardware and software architecture supports protocol standard evolution

Application Prospects

With the advancement of Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing, industrial Ethernet communication will continue to evolve and converge. Future trends include:

  • TSN Convergence: Integration of industrial protocols with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)
  • Enhanced Reliability: Integrated security and network redundancy support
  • Universal Platform: Programmable hardware platform supporting compatibility between new and legacy protocols

TI's PRU-ICSS architecture provides a solid foundation for implementing these trends, offering global industrial equipment manufacturers a flexible and forward-looking industrial communication solution.