ERTEC - PROFINET - Siemens  |   12/02/2008 9:46 PM  
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The ASICs of the ERTEC family- optimum performance and low implementation costs

The Industrial Ethernet ASICs ERTEC 200 and ERTEC 400 (Enhanced Real-Time Ethernet Controller) provide you an easy and low-cost solution for connecting your devices and systems to PROFINET. These high-performance Ethernet controllers with integrated Real Time switches and 32-bit microprocessors were specially developed for industrial use. They let you implement powerful PROFINET connections where space is tight. The ERTEC 200 is an optimum solution for developing simple field devices. The ERTEC 400, a platform for demanding applications, is the right choice for automation devices such as controllers, motion controllers, PC-based systems and network components.

  Enhanced performance based on hardware-supported preprocessing of Real Time communications
All cyclic data transmissions loading down the processor for PROFINET IO with Real Time (RT) and Isochronous Real Time (IRT) are handled by the ERTEC hardware, freeing up sufficient processor resources. There is no need for external processors. The Real Time data is immediately available for the application.

  Save costs thanks to integrated switches in the device
Thanks to the 2-port switch integrated into the ERTEC 200 and the 4-port switch in the ERTEC 400, there are no extra costs for external switches, enabling flexible topologies such as star, tree and line without other external network components.

  Save external processor performance with the integrated ARM 946
Thanks to the integral ARM 946 processor, the ERTEC 200 can be used as a system-on-chip implementation for simple devices. The cyclic data transmission for PROFINET IO with real time and isochronous real time which normally loads the processor is processed completely by the ERTEC hardware. This leaves sufficient processor resources available for processing the applications of simple field devices as well. External processors are not required.

  Industrial hardware
The ERTEC ASICs are designed for operation in industrial environments with a rated temperature range of –40ºC to +85ºC.

  System advantage thanks to IT integration
The ERTEC ASICs unite Isochronous Real Time and the IT world without any compromises; an absolute innovation for time-critical drive applications. While retaining openness for standard protocols, IRT enables extremely fast, isochronous transmission of data.

  ERTEC 200, easy link to the physical system
So-called PHYs are required to link the Ethernet controllers to the physical system. The PHYs modules are the key to the transition from the internal to the external world and are already integrated into the ERTEC 200.

  ERTEC 200 with on-chip IO

The on-chip IO enables direct connection of IO signals, serial interfaces and timers.

  ERTEC 400, the platform of choice for demanding applications

With its integrated PCI, the ERTEC 400 is ideal for PC-based control systems since the interface is already on-chip, eliminating the need for an external PCI bridge.

 

  Open global marketing
As is the case with Profibus, this technology is marketed openly. The ERTECs are available worldwide from Siemens and NEC.

  PROFINET Competence Center – the right support at all times

For years, the PROFINET Competence Center, the certification laboratory ComDeC (Communication Development and Certification) and the PIC (PROFIBUS Interface Center) have been offering competent support for PROFIBUS development and certification. Their range of services has been extended over the last three years to also include PROFINET and now provides:

  • Assistance with engineering
  • Assistance with the integration for PROFINET software
  • Assistance with the integration for ERTEC
  • PROFINET workshops for developers
  • Development to order
  • Certification
  • Telephone support
Siemens AG 2008