Programmable Solution for ETHERNET Powerlink (EPL) - Xilinx and port GmbH

Xilinx and port GmbH announced the programmable solution based on ETHERNET Powerlink (EPL) real-time protocol.

About ETHERNET Powerlink
The ETHERNET Powerlink Standardization Group (EPSG) is an independent association originated from a group of leading automation companies. Its focus is to leverage the advantages of Ethernet for high performance real time networking systems based on the ETHERNET Powerlink Real Time protocol, introduced by Bernecker+Rainer in 2001.

The IEEE 802.3u compliant MAC controller IP core is optimized to respond automatically to EPL requests by the Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGA. The completely integrated protocol stack running on Xilinx MicroBlaze soft processor is implemented on a single Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGA. Special receive filters implemented in the FPGA deliver only those EPL frames needed by the processing software, thus relieving the CPU from processing frames that are not relevant to the software.

About port GmbH
port GmbH, located in Halle/Saale in Germany, has operated in the area of field busses for many years. The company has extensive experience with the CANopen and ETHERNET Powerlink protocols. port develops and markets ETHERNET Powerlink products including the EPL Protocol stack and FPGA-based ETHERNET Powerlink intellectual property cores. port also offers an ETHERNET Powerlink tool chain and development services.

port GmbH will showcase the Xilinx based ETHERNET Powerlink solution at this week's Hannover Messe Show, 16-20 April, Exhibition Grounds in Hannover, Germany.

Source: Xilinx