- Single Pair Ethernet
- Security
- FPGAs
- MPUs
- Ethernet switching
- PCIe Endpoints
Single Pair Ethernet for factory automation
SPE brings benefits to designers
The use of SPE reduces system cost, weight and wiring complexity. You can simplify many connectivity applications using SPE. When compared to proprietary or industry-specific protocols, Ethernet more readily supports the trend toward IP-based IoT edge computing.
Advantages of an SPE architecture include:
- A worldwide, open standards-based architecture that is vendor interoperable
- Use of the same protocol independent of physical layer (PHY) speed
- No need for gateways, resulting in seamless communication
- Well-understood, proven security infrastructure
- Authentication, encryption and secure updates
- Reduces verification and validation efforts, wiring cost, weight and installation complexity
- Large ecosystem of suppliers and applications
10BASE-T1S Technology
10BASE-T1S is the latest technology used to expand Ethernet to the edge of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) networks—even when your network consists of incompatible devices and different physical hardware. Much like its utility in other sectors, this technology also brings significant advantages to the automotive industry. Established by IEEE®, 10BASE-T1S technology provides a 10 Mbps, multidrop transmission medium that can include up to at least eight transceiver nodes. The transceiver nodes connect to a common mixing segment of up to at least 25m. According to the IEEE specification, these limits are actually “minimum maxima”; this makes it possible to use more than eight nodes and transmit over longer distances.
This technology enables standard Ethernet communication, eliminating the need for gateways to interconnect incompatible communication systems. 10BASE-T1S reduces total system cost by using a single pair of wires and a multidrop bus architecture. 10BASE-T1S also increases system scalability since several nodes can operate on the same bus line with high data throughput. This allows the system to require fewer switch ports, cables and switches.
Find out more here.
Security for factory automation
The interconnected nature of automated systems and the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure have exposed manufacturing facilities to unprecedented cybersecurity challenges. The seamless communication between devices, the utilization of data analytics, and the interplay of software and hardware create copious opportunities for cyber-attacks. The potential consequences of a cyberattack on factory automation range from disrupted production lines and compromised product quality to data breaches and even physical safety risks.
In this evolving landscape, it is essential to understand the intricate interplay between factory automation and cybersecurity. This involves implementing robust security measures, such as hardware authentication, firewalls, encryption, access controls, and intrusion detection systems, to safeguard against unauthorized access and data breaches.
The ISA/IEC 62443 is the industry standard for cyber security standard in industrial applications. Microchip provides a portfolio of products to satisfy the ISA/IEC62443 standard, and our FAEs will help you select the optimum product(s) to secure your systems from Cyber threats. The videos, app notes and blogs below help explain this standard and Microchip’s unique offering.
The following content highlights the peculiarities of the cybersecurity problem for factory automation and provides insight into the most prominent industrial cybersecurity standard, IEC 62443:
FPGA introduction for factory automation
The fourth industrial revolution integrates connectivity, automation and real-time data analytics to deliver greater efficiency. It is driving the shift from processing data in the cloud to the edge of industrial networks, enabling decentralized decision-making. Processing at the edge of these networks needs to be immune to cyber threats and miniaturized for low physical footprints.
Microchip FPGAs provide the most power efficient, highest reliability, and best-in-class security for mid-range FPGAs. Our FPGAs offer increased design customizability, advanced data and design security features at small footprints and up to 50% lower power than the competition.
This unique product and software offering delivers an optimum solution for factory automation applications:
- Machine Vision and PCB Inspection using VectorBlox IP for Object recognition
- Robot Arms and Servo Drives using Microchip FPGA Motor Control IP
- OPC Unified Architecture (UA) server or client using PolarFire SoC
Object recognition
VectorBlox™ neural network engine
- Accelerator IP for RISC-V
- Scalable: 1 to 128 parallel ALUs
- Extendable: user-provided functions (eg sqrt, CNNs, anything pipelined)
- Ideally suited for matrix-oriented computation
- Base int8/int16/int32, integer + fixed-point data
- Floating-point through user-provided functions (keeps base small)
More information: https://www.microchip.com/en-us/solutions/industrial/smart-embedded-vision
PolarFire SoC video kit: https://www.microchip.com/en-us/development-tool/MPFS250-VIDEO-KIT
Motor Control – Advantages of using FPGAs
- DETERMINISM
- Tasks run in parallel. Execution time of each task is deterministic and always produces deterministic outputs
- RELIABILITY
- Single Event Upset (SEU) Immune
- SECURITY
- Built-in security features (Supply chain security, Secure Boot-CPU™, M2M secure communications, Public Key Infrastructure, No overbuilding HSMs and Information assurance)
- SCALABILITY AND PERFORMANCE
- 1 µs Field Oriented Control (FOC) loop achievable at lower frequencies
- Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) for FOC can be used to control multiple motors (10KLE – 25KLE: 4 motors, 50KLEs: 8+ motors)
- FPGA platforms allow multi-motor/communication/encoder/memory support, for 20+ years end-product lifecycles
- MORE INFORMATION: https://www.microchip.com/en-us/solutions/motor-control-and-drive/motor-control-products/fpga
- SMARTFUSION2 MOTOR CONTROL KIT: https://www.microchip.com/en-us/development-tool/sf2-mc-starter-kit
OPC UA
What is OPC UA?
OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) is a cross-platform, open-source IEC 62541 standard for machine-to-machine communication. Intended for industrial automation, OPC UA simplifies industrial connectivity and integrates devices, automation systems and software applications using a secure and platform-independent standard.
OPC UA supports robust security and time synchronization features to securely connect remote edge devices and enable device diagnostics, asset management, monitoring, reporting and other applications.
To implement the OPC UA protocol, PolarFire SoC FPGAs use a client-server architecture where the client initiates data requests that are processed by the server. PolarFire SoC FPGAs can be configured as servers or as clients.
More information: https://www.microchip.com/en-us/solutions/industrial/fpga/opc-ua
PolarFire SoC Icicle kit: https://www.microchip.com/en-us/development-tool/MPFS-ICICLE-KIT-ES
Introduction to MPUs for factory automation
An emerging trend in factory automation is the shift from cloud to data processing at the edge enabling real-time decision-making. Data processing at the edge faces three significant hurdles; miniaturization of the HW, security from cyber attacks, and a widely supported operating system.
Microchip’s latest portfolio of MPUs is a game changer for the industry, enabling the next generation of Factory automation.
- Miniaturized and highly integrated solutions with improved EMI performance
- High-performance edge processing
- Fully integrated security with secure connectivity to external peripherals and the cloud
- Flexible software support with Mainline Linux and Bare-metal/RTOS
SAMA7G54
Single Cortex-A7
- Complete imaging and audio sub-system
- Large number of connectivity options
- Embedded security features
- Optimized BGA ball-out facilitates 4-layer PCB designs
SAM9X75
Entry level Linux or High-end RTOS platform
- Enhanced display interface capability with MIPI and LVDS
- Large number of connectivity options
- Optimized BGA ball-out enables 4-layer PCB design
- System in Package (SIP) options reduces design risk and speeds TTM
Reduce size, design risk and cost of ownership
Complete MPU system on a surface-mount PCB
- Speeds PCB design and accelerates TTM
- Main components from Microchip
- Chip-down support w/ full design files
- Ideal for kick-starting a design or low to medium volume production
Combines MPU + DRAM in a single package
- Simplified PCB layout and reduced EMI risks
- Fewer PCB layers lowers system cost
- Smaller footprint for space constraints
- Minimize impact of DRAM-related issues
- Supply, pricing and forced SW updates
Fully integrated security
Independently verified security features
- Secure boot and on-chip key storage for immutable ID
- Physical protection against tamper and physical attack
- HW crypto acceleration and FIPS-compliant TRNG
- NIST certified
- Arm® TrustZone® w/ application partitioning
- Hardwar Root of Trust
Security maintained through entire lifecycle
- Secure payment, access control and communications
Details of a Wireless System-on-Module
Microchip MPU software toolkit
Mainline Linux developed and supported
- LTS (Long Term Support ) Linux Kernel. Twice a year
- Maintained and updated for all devices for full lifecycle
- Easy bring-up and demos available for all development boards
Bare-Metal/RTOS using MPLAB Harmony
- Single toolchain to easily migrate from MCU to MPU
- Integrated support for FreeRTOS
Free GUI development packages
Evaluations boards
SAMA7G5-EK
CPN: EV21H18A
SAM9X75-EK
CPN: EA14J50A
Ethernet switching
Factory automation brings a need to connect islands of coherent communication. These islands are often built around Time Sensitive Networking and shall require this in future as factories align towards the IEC60802 Industrial Networking Profile.
Microchip answers this requirement with platforms such as LAN9668 – supporting the required protocols and with a maintained software suite. This software portfolio continues to grow in stability and capabilities where customers enjoy enhancements to a quarterly release cadence.
The LAN9662 is the latest addition to the LA966x product family and includes two integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T PHYs and a 600 MHz ARM Cortex A7 CPU subsystem. The LAN9662 includes four ports in addition to an Industrial Ethernet (IE) protocol Real-Time Engine (RTE) suited for meshed and daisy-chained low latency operation.
PCIe Endpoints
Customers designing industrial compute platforms are finding their traditional interfaces are typically no longer available and must be reached via PCIe. Microchip solves this problem with their new range of PCIe switching devices with included End Points (EP). A highly integrated single device enables 2.5G Ethernet, 10G USB3.2Gen2, RS-232, RS-485 and traditional lower speed interfaces whilst also providing additional PCIe ports. Supported within QNX, Windows and Linux. Designers are using this to enable external connectivity through to embedded M.2 abstractions which accommodate LTE and 5G radios.
