Industrial Ethernet and PROFIBUS Implementation for Altera FPGAs

Industrial Ethernet and PROFIBUS Implementation for Altera FPGAs – Evaluation and Implementation Steps

A simple step-by-step evaluation/implementation process is provided, which does not require any upfront license payment.

Step 1: Download the Softing Protocol IP Files from Softing’s Website

In detail, the Softing Protocol IP files include:

• EtherCAT SlaveCore/Switch/Hub IP Core/PROFIBUS IP Core
• NIOS II Binary File (including individual protocol stack plus eCos operating system)
• Simple Device Application Interface (SDAI)
• Device Description Files for Various Protocols
• Reference FPGA Design
• Sample Application Code (Source Code)
• Reference Projects for Altera Tool Chain
• PLC Sample Programs
• Documentation

The Softing Protocol IP has been hardware tested for the Altera family of Cyclone FPGAs.

Step 2: Evaluate the Softing Protocol IP

The evaluation can be done using the downloaded Softing Protocol IP (see Step 1) based on an appropriate evaluation kit plus Quartus software. The following evaluation kits are recommended:

Altera’s Cyclone IV FPGA Based INK Kit	Altera’s Cyclone V E FPGA Development Kit	Altera’s Cyclone V SoC Development Kit*

Together with the evaluation kits the Softing Protocol IP can be used with full functionality for a limited time without requiring any royalty. Once the Softing Protocol IP has timed-out the evaluation can be re-started.

Step 3: Develop Device Hardware and Integrate Application

The individual customer target hardware is developed including the Altera Cyclone FPGA. In addition, the application can be integrated into a second NIOS II IP Core, into an external microprocessor or into an ARM Core of a System-on-Chip (SoC). The application can be based on the Reference FPGA Design and the Sample Application Code included in the Softing Protocol IP (see Step 1). All supported protocols can be accessed by the application using SDAI, a common software API as well as a common hardware interface.

Step 4: Purchase Required FPGAs and Security CPLDs

The complete package of required hardware and firmware is purchased through Altera’s worldwide sales channel. It includes the Security CPLD, which activates the Softing Protocol IP functionality. The identical Security CPLD can be used for implementing any of the supported protocols.