Simple hardware implementation
Manufacturers can easily integrate SERCOS III into their own systems. Different hardware and software options are available for this.
Communications controller
A communications controller is used to provide SERCOS III connectivity
- based on an FPGA logic chip or
- as a general-purpose multi-protocol Ethernet controller or
- based on a standard Ethernet controller (soft master)
Various versions of the Xilinx "Spartan 3/3E" and Altera "Cyclone II/III" FPGA chips are available for SERCOS III. The SERCOS III software core can also be added to existing FPGA solutions.
Easy I/O
The FPGA-based Easy-I/O can be used for basic I/O periphery, e.g. encoders, measuring sensors or valve clusters. This is a single-chip implementation without an additional CPU and can be integrated into slave devices with minimal development and integration efforts.
The Hilscher "netX" multi-protocol Ethernet controller supports SERCOS III master and slave connectivity. All of the controllers are available in a number of versions which cover the performance spectrum from simple I/O controllers and drives to master controllers and control systems.
PC plug-in boards
Fully assembled expansion boards can be used to connect standard PCs to a SERCOS III network. Versions are available with a dedicated CPU (active boards) and without a CPU (passive boards). Cards are integrated via PC bus systems such as PCI.
Starter/evaluation kits
To make the transition to SERCOS III even easier, PCI boards for standard PCs along with master or slave software are available for training purposes. There are also WinCE drivers for X86 platforms.
