S32k388 ethercat config

[vinmotion]

Hello engineers, im new to nxp and ethercat. I wonder if anyone has experience using ethercat with nxp ; how should i config the project or pin to use ethercat with KSZ9131...

Thanks a lot

[PavelL · Accepted solution]

Hello @vinmotion ,

It seems that S32K388 might not be the best choice for EtherCAT, because EtherCAT typically requires a dedicated EtherCAT Slave Controller (ESC) - this is a hardware block that handles on-the-fly frame processing and distributed clocks. S32K388 does not have an integrated ESC, so implementing EtherCAT would require an external controller or a software stack with strict timing constraints.

EtherCAT is generally a domain of the i.MX family, and NXP provides solutions with integrated ESC. For example, the i.MX RT1180 includes a built-in EtherCAT two-port slave controller, making it much easier to implement EtherCAT without additional hardware.

Please check this application note related to i.MX RT1180 and EtherCAT:

https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/application-note/AN14155.pdf

Best regards,

Pavel

[vinmotion]

Thank you Sir, so i cannot use above design for s32k388 work as ethercat master to control ethercat motor ..?

[PavelL]

Hello @vinmotion ,

I reviewed EtherCAT once again, and even though S32K388 does not have integrated EtherCAT Slave Controller (ESC), it features two GMAC interfaces with TSN/AVB support and sufficient processing power to run an EtherCAT software stack.

Please verify S32K388 & EtherCAT compatibility with your EtherCAT stack provider to ensure proper integration and timing requirements.

Best regards,

Pavel