Building a low cost deterministic industrial Ethernet system
Using the MPC8309 and MPC8306/S
Designed to address the need for enhanced connectivity between the diverse network domains in the modern industrial market, both the MPC8309 and MPC8306/S processors (Figure 3, below) incorporate the e300c3 processor core, built on Power Architecture technology, that yields an outstanding 1.99 DMIPS/MHz, and is available in frequencies from 266 MHz up to 400 MHz.
Figure 3: MPC8306 Block Diagram
Both processor cores include 16 KB of L1 instruction and data caches, dual integer and on-chip memory management units (MMUs). Both processors also feature an on-chip DDR2 memory controller with error correction (ECC) support for improved performance and cost-effectiveness
The MPC8309 and MPC8306/S processors both feature Freescale’s QUICC Engine offload technology, designed to support a full range of industrial protocols without having to utilize core processor resources.
As a result, these processors are able to do in a single chip what most competitors typically require two chips (i.e., one chip providing processor functions, plus an additional FPGA chip for protocol support).
Industrial Ethernet and fieldbus support have been added, as well as support for IEEE 1588 timing synchronization. Industrial interface ports featured on both the MPC8309 and MPC8306 include 4x CAN, 4x UARTS, SPI and SDIO.
In addition to industrial applications, the MPC8309 processor is also ideal for cost-sensitive networking applications including I/O cards for low-end base stations, low-end Ethernet switches and modems.
Industrial control system designers who require greater performance than a microcontroller can provide, or who wish to reduce the cost of their design by combining protocol support together with a core processor, will find the MPC8309 processor an outstanding choice.
For those customers using PowerQUICC I or PowerQUICC II products, the MPC8309 and MPC8306/S provide an ideal migration path by offering increased performance and enhanced industrial interfaces while maintaining code compatibility with these legacy processors.
The MPC8306 is a low cost, low-power (less than 1.2W typical) CPU with excellent performance (up to 530 DMIPs) solution. The MPC8309 adds 32-bit PCI 2.3 support, as well as 32/16-bit DDR2 memory bus and up to 800 DMIPs with less than 1.5W typical. Both processors have been optimized to efficiently address the requirements of modern industrial control and factory automation applications, as well as entry-level networking applications.
The MPC8309 processor is packaged in a small (19 mm x19 mm) 489-pin MAPBGA with a tight pitch at 0.8mm that enables a compact, low-layer board and smaller overall footprint. Low power dissipation eliminates the need for external heat dissipation techniques and allows fan-less designs.
The integration of serial interfaces reduces board size and a 16/32-bit DDR2 memory controller enables low-cost memory designs. Supported by a broad ecosystem of third-party solutions, including MQX, customers can easily and efficiently design for a wide range of price sensitive connectivity applications.
An example of the diverse range of industrial protocols and connectivity that can be supported by the MPC8309 is shown in Figure 4 below.
Figure 4: Example of Industrial Protocols that can be supported and bridged by the MPC8309 and MPC8306 PowerQUICC II Pro CPUs. (To view larger image, click here.)
Adopting these devices for industrial control, factory network and building automation systems allow for a scalable, single-chip solution that is:
a) very affordable due to the reduced number of components,
b) reduced maintenance costs since it is fully programmable; and
c) protects hardware and software investment over the long term because its platform concept embraces future evolution of application and communication protocols.
Nicholas Sargologos is Sr. Manager, Customer Specific Products Division. John Ralston and Iain Davidson are with the Network Products Division at Freescale Semiconductor.
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Freescale Semiconductor is a global leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the automotive, consumer, industrial, networking and wireless markets. Freescale became a publicly traded company in July 2004 after more than 50...
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