Industrial communication
Easy, fast and real-time data exchange using our analog and embedded processing devices and certified software
Unlock seamless connectivity and scalability in your design
Industrial communication enables a connected world in which both centralized and edge intelligence can be used to improve efficiency and real-time data exchange. It is transforming our homes, mobility, production and energy supply from stand-alone, discrete systems to fully transparent, connected systems. Simplify your design with our ready-to-use industrial communication solutions using our integrated software-on-chip products, protocol-compliant interface devices and certified device software stacks.
Ready-to-use industrial communication solutions
Integrated SoC products
Our scalable, high-performance microprocessor and microcontroller portfolio enables simultaneous communication and computing in a single system on a chip (SoC) with 1Gb Time-Sensitive Networking.
Protocol-compliant interface devices
Our product portfolio includes our trusted CAN and RS-485 transceivers, industrial Ethernet PHYs, IO-Link and single-pair Ethernet PHYs to increase system performance and reliability.
Certified, licensed and production-ready
We offer licensed and certified device software stacks, including production-ready hardware solutions from our partners and advanced configuration tooling for industrial protocols.
Service and support from TI experts
Get online support from our industrial communication protocol stack experts on TI’s E2E community, offering customization and optimization options to help you get to market faster.
Discover featured protocols
Set new standards for real-time performance and topology flexibility
EtherCAT is a high-performance and scalable industrial Ethernet protocol that provides deterministic communication in industrial automation.
Benefits:
- Support for multiprotocol industrial Ethernet with the Arm® processor family using the programmable real-time unit (PRU) in the PRU-industrial communication subsystem (ICSS) block.
- Stack and EtherCAT slave controller (ESC) (media access control) offers a one-stop-shop experience.
- Evaluation modules to evaluate the EtherCAT solution and jump-start your development.
Featured resources
- Arm®-based processors – EtherCAT enabled processors
- Arm®-based microcontrollers – EtherCAT enabled microcontrollers
- C2000™ real-time microcontrollers – EtherCAT enabled microcontrollers
- Ethernet PHYs – EtherCAT enabled interfaces
- Single-pair Ethernet PHYs – Industrial Ethernet enabled interfaces
- TMDS64EVM – AM64x evaluation module for Sitara™ processors
- LP-AM263 – AM263x Arm®-based MCU general-purpose LaunchPad™ development kit
- LP-AM243 – AM243x general purpose LaunchPad™ development kit for Arm®-based MCU
- LAUNCHXL-F28P65X – C2000™ real-time MCU F28P65x LaunchPad™ development kit
- DP83826EVM – DP83826 Low-latency 10/100 ethernet PHY evaluation module
- DP83826-EVM-AM2 – AM2x evaluation module for industrial Ethernet PHY add-on board
- IND-COMMS-SDK – Industrial real-time communications software development kit
- PROCESSOR-SDK-AM64X – Software development kit for AM64x Sitara™ processors
- MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM263X – AM263x software development kit (SDK) for Sitara™ microcontrollers
- MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM263PX – AM263Px software development kit (SDK) for Sitara™ microcontrollers
- MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM243X – AM243x software development kit (SDK) for Sitara™ microcontrollers
- TMDXIDDK379D – C2000 DesignDRIVE Development Kit for Industrial Motor Control
- TIDEP-01032 – EtherCAT® connected, single-chip, dual-servo motor drive reference design
- TIDM-02006 – Distributed multi-axis servo drive over fast serial interface (FSI) reference design
- How to select the right industrial Ethernet standard: EtherCAT – Technical article
- EtherCAT® on Sitara™ Processors (Rev. I) – White paper
- Industrial Communication Protocols Supported on Sitara™ Processors (Rev. E) – Application note
- EtherCAT Based Connected Servo Drive using Fast Current Loop on PMSM (Rev. B) – Application note
- How and Why to Use the DP83826 for EtherCAT® Applications (Rev. C) – Application note
Deploy standard Ethernet technology with this Ethernet communication network
The EtherNet/IP™ industrial network protocol is based on the Common Industrial Protocol, an industrial protocol used for factory and process automation.
Benefits:
- Multiprotocol industrial Ethernet media access control (MAC) supports EtherNet/IP and the EtherNet/IP stack.
- An evaluation module and EtherNet/IP example software application can help you find the right solution for your design and jump-start development.
Featured resources
- Arm®-based processors – EtherNet/IP enabled processors
- Arm®-based microcontrollers – EtherNet/IP enabled microcontrollers
- Ethernet PHYs – EtherNet/IP enabled interfaces
- Single-pair Ethernet PHYs – Industrial Ethernet enabled interfaces
- TMDS64EVM – AM64x evaluation module for Sitara™ processors
- LP-AM243 – AM243x general purpose LaunchPad™ development kit for Arm®-based MCU
- DP83867ERGZ-R-EVM – DP83867ERGZ RGMII 1000M/100M/10M Ethernet PHY evaluation module
- PROCESSOR-SDK-AM64X – Software development kit for AM64x Sitara™ processors
- MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM263X – AM263x software development kit (SDK) for Sitara™ microcontrollers
- MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM243X – AM243x software development kit (SDK) for Sitara™ microcontrollers
- Industrial Communication Protocols Supported on Sitara™ Processors (Rev. E) – Application note
Enhance productivity, efficiency and flexibility in industrial processes with Profinet
Profinet is an open industrial Ethernet solution to exchange data between controllers and devices in an automation setting. Profinet defines cyclic and acyclic communication between components, including diagnostics, functional safety and alarms.
Benefits:
- Multiprotocol industrial Ethernet media access control (MAC) supporting Profinet and the Profinet stack.
- An evaluation module and Profinet example software application can help you find the right solution for your design and jump-start development.
Featured resources
- Arm®-based processors – Profinet enabled processors
- Arm®-based microcontrollers – Profinet enabled microcontrollers
- Ethernet PHYs – Profinet enabled interfaces
- Single-pair Ethernet PHYs – Industrial Ethernet enabled interfaces
- TMDS64EVM – AM64x evaluation module for Sitara™ processors
- LP-AM263 – AM263x Arm®-based MCU general-purpose LaunchPad™ development kit
- LP-AM263P – AM263Px Arm®-based MCU general-purpose LaunchPad™ development kit
- LP-AM243 – AM243x general purpose LaunchPad™ development kit for Arm®-based MCU
- DP83822EVM – DP83822I 10-Mbps & 100-Mbps Ethernet PHY evaluation module
- DP83869EVM – Copper & fiber industrial Ethernet PHY evaluation module
- PROCESSOR-SDK-AM64X – Software development kit for AM64x Sitara™ processors
- MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM263X – AM263x software development kit (SDK) for Sitara™ microcontrollers
- MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM243X – AM243x software development kit (SDK) for Sitara™ microcontrollers
- Industrial Communication Protocols Supported on Sitara™ Processors (Rev. E) – Application note
- How and When to Use Ethernet PHYs in PROFINET Systems – Application note
Implement zero-loss redundancy on wired Ethernet with HSR and PRP
High-Availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) and the Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) are two industrial Ethernet protocols for wired Ethernet. One example is the grid infrastructure sector, where the protection of electrical substations, synchronized drives and high-power inverters play a large role.
Featured resources
- PROCESSOR-SDK-AM64X – Software development kit for AM64x Sitara™ processors
- MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM263X – AM263x software development kit (SDK) for Sitara™ microcontrollers
- MCU-PLUS-SDK-AM243X – AM243x software development kit (SDK) for Sitara™ microcontrollers
- TIDEP0054 – Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) Ethernet Reference Design for Substation Automation
- TIDEP-0096 – High-Availability Seamless Redundancy Ethernet Reference Design for Substation Automation for Linux®
- TIDEP0078 – OPC UA Data Access Server for AM572x Reference Design
- HSR/PRP Solutions on Sitara Processors for Grid Substation Communication – Application note
- Industrial Communication Protocols Supported on Sitara™ Processors (Rev. E) – Application note
Integrate the functionality of individual OPC UA classic specifications into one extensible framework
Open Platform Communications (OPC) Unified Architecture (UA) is cross-platform, open-source International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62541 standard for data exchange from sensor to cloud applications. It is used in a variety of industrial applications including manufacturing, energy, building automation and transportation systems.
Featured resources
- TIDEP0078 – OPC UA Data Access Server for AM572x Reference Design
- Industrial Communication Protocols Supported on Sitara™ Processors (Rev. E) – Application note
Software FAQs
Explore the essentials of industrial communication, protocols and integration
What does TI offer for fieldbus and industrial Ethernet?
Our device portfolio with the industrial communication subsystem (ICSS) implements various fieldbus and industrial Ethernet protocols. Our industrial communications software development kit includes certified protocol stacks along with application examples to help you get started.
What protocol stacks does TI offer?
Our software development kit (SDK) supports Profinet, EtherCAT and EtherNet/Internet Protocol (IP). Implementing these protocols using the ICSS hardware block enables users to stay up to date with the latest specification, while also providing the flexibility of a common hardware platform to implement different protocol stacks.
Are TI protocols certified?
Yes. We have certified our protocol stacks on our hardware evaluation platforms.
What is the cost and licensing model for the protocols?
Our protocols are royalty-free, with the production license included. There are no additional costs.
Does TI provide controller host-side protocols?
Yes. We partner with companies such as Acontis, Codesys, IBV and IGH to provide host-side (master) protocols.
Does TI collaborate with a partner network?
We work with an extensive ecosystem of partners. For a list of these partners and details about their business, see the Partner Directory page under Software Partners.
Where can I find support for industrial communication- and software-related issues?
Our TI E2E™ design support forums are an engineer’s go-to source for help throughout every step of the design process. Our protocol experts answer your technical questions and share their knowledge to help you quickly solve your design issues.
Enabling industrial communication technologies
The latest technology in real-time data communication
Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is a set of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards that enable deterministic, real-time communication over Ethernet networks. TSN ensures low latency and high reliability in applications requiring precise timing and synchronization. Our products offer TSN support, such as processors with TSN-enabled media access control (MAC), including software protocol stacks and a broad Ethernet PHY portfolio to complete your design.
Take advantage of our products to:
- Evaluate and prototype your TSN network requirements using our processor evaluation module and software development kit.
- Leverage our TSN-related documentation, training resources and technical support.
Time Sensitive Networking for Industrial Automation (Rev. C)
Ethernet PHYs to simplify design and optimize network performance
Process this series: Time-Sensitive Networking using Linux® on AM64x processors
Simplifying network connectivity
Take industrial communications from the cloud to the edge using single-pair Ethernet (SPE). Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol enablement along the entire signal chain allows both distributed processing and detailed remote analysis and storage.
To make predictive maintenance a reality in your system, get started by:
- Building a system using our reliable physical layers (PHYs) and reduce maintenance costs once deployed.
- Enabling precise timing characteristics using simplified solutions for Time-Sensitive Networking applications with industry-leading determinism and synchronization.
- Maximizing system uptime with predictive maintenance enabled by advanced cable diagnostics.
Single Pair Ethernet with Power Over Data Line
How and Why to Use Single Twisted-Pair Ethernet (SPE) for Industrial Robotics Environments (Rev. A)
Featured products for single-pair Ethernet
Combining data and power over single-pair Ethernet
Power over Data Line (PoDL) and Advanced Physical Layers (APLs) are technologies that enable devices to receive both power and data over a single Ethernet cable. They simplify network installations in applications such as sensors, actuators and industrial Internet of Things devices. APL is used for process automation environments, with its reliable data communication in harsh conditions.
Kick-start your project to implement PoDL and power-critical APL solutions by:
- Leveraging our scalable reference designs to implement power-sourcing equipment (PSE) and powered device (PD).
- Using our gateway solution to bridge Ethernet communication between standard Ethernet to single-pair Ethernet.
Single Pair Ethernet with Power Over Data Line
How to Implement an IEEE 802.3cg or 802.3bu-Compliant PoDL PSE
IEEE 802.3cg 10BASE-T1L Power over Data Lines Powered Device Design (Rev. A)
Featured products for Power over Data Line
Empowering smart sensors and actuators
IO-Link is an industrial communication protocol that connects sensors and actuators to automation systems. By enhancing data exchange and enabling advanced diagnostics and configuration, our IO-Link physical layers (PHYs) and reference designs simplify installation and maintenance, with seamless integration and improved efficiency in smart manufacturing environments.
Start your design by:
- Using our evaluation module and reference designs to build low-cost IO-Link devices.
- Design a single-chip solution with an eight-port IO-Link device, integrated frame handler and industrial Ethernet gateway.
- Take advantage of our IO-Link documentation, training resources and technical support.
Implementing an IO-Link master with deterministic timing
IO-Link device implementation for sensors and actuator reference design
Eight port IO-Link BoosterPack™ plug-in module
Featured products for IO-Link
Bridging systems for seamless integration
An industrial communication gateway connects disparate systems and devices, translating data and protocols between networks. It streamlines integration, facilitates real-time data exchange, and enhances operational efficiency across industrial environments.
Our reference designs and evaluation modules (EVMs) support different types of gateways for you to start evaluating with, such as:
- Eight-port IO-Link master to industrial Ethernet with our EVM, and example software to build a remote IO-Link gateway to connect to OPC Unified Architecture, Profinet, EtherCAT or Ethernet IP.
- An Ethernet gateway that functions as a bridge between four 10BASE-T1L single-pair Ethernet ports with Power over Data Line and a 1000BASE-T Ethernet port.