Introduction
It should come as little surprise therefore that one element of what is now more commonly referred to in some circles simply as digital transformation includes an elevated conversation around connected intelligent systems — spearheaded primarily by the Internet of Things with a focus on industry-specific use case here and embedded software analytics, AI programmatic technologies/machine learning-led automation surfaced via advanced robotics. This is the future of industrial automation with networks evolving from traditional fieldbus-based architectures to Ethernet-based infrastructures that offer high-data speeds, deterministic communications, distributed control architecture, and seamless IT/OT system integration for next-generation applications.
While Ethernet has emerged as the dominant industrial communications backbone due to its scalability, reliability, and integration capabilities, traditional Ethernet was not designed for real-time deterministic applications with strict latency and synchronization requirements. New standards like Audio Video Bridging (AVB) and Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) have enhanced Ethernet to incorporate features like latency, bandwidth reservation, and sub-millisecond Precision Time Protocol (PTP) synchronization necessary for machine automation and process control.
However, end-users still faced challenges in deploying and managing TSN-compliant communication systems with limited support from networking hardware. To address this gap, Microchip introduced the LAN9662 Gigabit Ethernet Switch with advanced capabilities optimized for industrial automation, including integrated PHYs, AVB/TSN functionality, and real-time processing engines. This extended commentary comprehensively analyzes the LAN9662’s specifications, applications in industrial controls, and its value proposition for machine builders.
Key Features of the LAN9662 Switch
The LAN9662 is Microchip’s latest Gigabit Ethernet switch supporting AVB/TSN standards for deterministic communications over Ethernet infrastructures. Its most notable features include:
- 4-port 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet switch
- Dual integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet PHYs
- Real-Time Engine (RTE) for modifying frames in flight
- Compliance with TSN standards such as IEEE 1588v2 PTP, 802.1AS, 802.1Qbv
- Configurable interfaces supporting RGMII, RMII, SGMII, USGMII, KX, XAUI
- Advanced TSN offload engine for performance optimization
- 600MHz Arm Cortex-A7 processor for control functions
- Small QFN package of 16x16mm for control cabinet integration
- Industrial temperature rating of -40°C to +105°C
The RTE allows high-speed cyclic data processing with guaranteed latencies below 1 ms for motion control, machine vision, and PLC I/O applications. Integrated dual-PHYs minimize cabling and latency for closed-loop position systems. Configurable interfaces facilitate adaptation to diverse physical transmission media. AVB/TSN support enables synchronized streaming of high-definition video across machines. These versatile features equip the LAN9662 for a wide range of automation deployments.
Applications across Industrial Controls & Machine Systems
Given its comprehensive real-time and connectivity capabilities, the LAN9662 finds usage across diverse automation applications requiring fast and synchronized data exchange over Ethernet infrastructure:
Motion Control Systems
The RTE and PHY integration provide the deterministic high-speed data delivery essential for distributed multi-axis robotics, CNC machines, packaging lines, and coordinated motion equipment like conveyors.
Machine Vision
Vision sensors on machines demand AVB/TSN coordination to stream synchronized image captures for inspection, defect analysis, product recognition, and guidance tasks.
Distributed/Modular Machine Architectures
The port density and low-latency interfaces facilitate building modular machines incorporating distributed I/O, motor controllers, and HMIs as independent nodes connected via short daisy chains.
Condition Monitoring Applications
The PTP capabilities allow precise time-stamping of vibration, temperature and other sensor data from assets across facilities which can be aggregated to servers for predictive analytics.
Control Panels & Operator Interfaces
The small form factor allows seamless integration of advanced HMI panels featuring multi-touch, 3D graphics, and networking capabilities directly into electric control cabinets.
Industrial Routers & Gateways
Compliance with protocols like PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and OPC UA standards makes the LAN9662 viable for building industrial edge routers and gateways combining field/control networks with higher-level IT infrastructures.
By enabling reliable and synchronized exchange of real-time data between varied automation components on a unified Ethernet backbone, the LAN9662 offers an optimized connectivity solution for evolving machine architectures. Its comprehensive feature set addresses a wide range of industrial communication requirements.
Development Tools and Software Support
Microchip complements the LAN9662 with the following tools to streamline development efforts:
- EVB-LAN9662 evaluation board for prototyping and testing
- EVB-LAN9662-Carrier Board as a hardware development platform
- Switch API and drivers for Linux/FreeRTOS application integration
- PROFINET and OPC UA protocol stacks for industrial software development
- Sample application code and documentation
- Expert pre-and post-sales engineering support
These tools help shorten design cycles by removing the complexities of low-level protocol implementation. Customers can focus on their application logic instead of networking intricacies. Comprehensive software support also future-proofs designs by enabling seamless migration to newer hardware and standards.
Benefits for Machine Builders and End Users
By enabling next-generation deterministic networking capabilities optimized for machine automation and process control systems, the LAN9662 delivers tangible benefits:
- Simplifies migration to open Ethernet from proprietary fieldbus solutions
- Future-proof systems to support evolving IIoT, Industry 4.0 paradigms
- Enables modular machine architectures using standardized connectivity
- Facilitates remote asset monitoring for predictive maintenance use cases
- Improves OEE through coordinated control between automated work cells
- Supports advanced applications involving high-speed streaming, AI/ML
- Lowers total cost of ownership versus alternative technologies
- Scalable and upgradable infrastructure for expanding system capabilities
Overall, the LAN9662 networking solution helps machine builders deploy more connected, intelligent, and optimized automation solutions while reducing engineering effort and costs through Microchip’s tools and proven protocol stack support.
Conclusion
In summary, the LAN9662 delivers a comprehensive portfolio of AVB/TSN, real-time processing, interface flexibility, and software features needed for building performance-sensitive industrial communication networks. Its support for deterministic Ethernet standards addresses key challenges in deploying IIoT applications with strict synchronization and latency constraints. Combined with Microchip’s robust development tools and expertise, the LAN9662 presents an optimized drop-in solution for machine builders to create the next generation of automated manufacturing systems with minimal effort. Its versatility across a wide range of controls and machine applications cements the LAN9662 as an attractive choice for building advanced industrial networking infrastructures.
FAQ
Q. What is an AVB/TSN switch and what key standards does the LAN9662 support?
A. An AVB/TSN switch enables real-time and synchronized communication over Ethernet networks using standards like IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP), 802.1AS Base Time protocol, 802.1Qbv Frame Preemption, and 802.1Qav. The LAN9662 complies with these standards to provide deterministic, low-latency delivery of audio, video, and control data across industrial machines and processes.
Q. What are the key advantages of using AVB/TSN over traditional Ethernet?
A. Traditional Ethernet only provides best-effort service without any latency, bandwidth, or delivery guarantees. AVB/TSN enhances Ethernet to support real-time streaming, integrated clock synchronization, and reserved bandwidth allowing cycle times below 1ms. This makes it suitable for closed-loop controls with strict timing requirements compared to best-effort Ethernet.
Q. How does the LAN9662’s Real-Time Engine improve determinism?
A. The Real-Time Engine (RTE) allows the switch to modify Ethernet frames in flight. This enables the processing of cyclic I/O and sensor data at wire speed with guaranteed low latencies even at high data rates. The RTE offloads real-time tasks from the host CPU for optimized real-time performance.
Q. What interfaces are supported by the LAN9662?
A. The LAN9662 supports configurable interfaces including RGMII, RMII, SGMII, and USGMII for copper-based connectivity as well as KX, XAUI, and 10G KR for serial/fiber connectivity. This flexibility allows its use with different physical layer equipment.
Q. Which industrial protocols are supported?
A. The LAN9662 complies with OPC UA and PROFINET protocols enabling native integration with Factory Automation systems and software solutions from major vendors.
Q. What development tools are available for the LAN9662?
A. Microchip provides the EVB-LAN9662 evaluation board, EVB-LAN9662-Carrier Board, Switch API, Linux drivers, PROFINET, and sample code to simplify and accelerate development.
Q. What are the common industrial applications of LAN9662?
A. Key applications include machine/motion control, machine vision, distributed/modular machines, control panels, PLCs, industrial routers and gateways, condition monitoring, etc. benefiting from its AVB/TSN, real-time, and interface capabilities.
