January 10, 2008 - By using IXXAT's Powerlink FPGA IP Core, the Powerlink Managing Node (MN) functionality can be implemented rapidly and cost effective into any kind of host system. The major advantages of the FPGA based implementation are the flexibility, the vendor independency, the reduced development time and due to this the low development costs. Furthermore, the possibility of reconfiguration of the FPGA solution allows the implementation of various real-time Ethernet based protocols on the same hardware platform. Besides the Powerlink functionality, the MN IP Core includes a standard Ethernet controller, an Ethernet hub and a PCI controller for the host communication. The MN IP Core was already successfully implemented on the new Powerlink MN PC interface from IXXAT.
The board offers a powerful and cost effective solution to set-up PC based automation systems based on Powerlink. The board ensures response times in the range of the Ethernet interframe gap, independent of the number of network nodes. The synchronization by the start of cycle frames is done with a jitter of less than 50 ns. Therefore it is possible to operate systems with cycle times of 200 ìs or with up to 240 controlled nodes. The PC board software provides a simple application programming interface with process image to the host application and a control and status interface.
Based on that, it is easy to connect PC applications to the Powerlink network, like a soft SPS. Besides the Powerlink MN IP Core and the Powerlink PCI board, IXXAT offers the development of customer specific Powerlink MN connections, consulting services and training.
General information about IXXAT Automation GmbH
IXXAT Automation GmbH is a leading supplier of data communication systems for industrial automation and automotive applications. The main technologies in the field of industrial communication systems are solutions based on CAN (CANopen, DeviceNet), Ethernet (ETHERNET Powerlink, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT) as well as TCP/IP with the associated Internet protocols. For automotive applications, IXXAT focuses on solutions based on CAN (diagnosis protocols, SAE J1939), FlexRay and LIN. The product range comprises interface boards, test systems, analyzing tools and protocol software. As of December 2007, IXXAT provides work for 70 employees, predominantly engineers skilled in electronic engineering and computer science and has a certified quality assurance management according to ISO9001.
Our customers are well-known companies all over the world from the industrial and automotive sectors. IXXAT supports its customers completely in the establishment and application of communication systems based on CAN and TCP/IP, from seminars and consulting, design of system solutions, development and implementation of hardware and software to the supply of a complete product line. Furthermore IXXAT is able to perform safety relevant hardware and software development according to IEC61508. For more information, please ask for our company brochure and product catalog.