The netX network controller family ( ASICs ), developed by Hilscher Gesellschaft für Systemautomation mbH, is a solution for implementing all proven Fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet systems. It was the first Multi-Protocol ASIC which combiens Real-Time-Ethernet and Fieldbus System in one solution. The Multiprotocol functionality is done over a flexible cpu sub system called XC. Trough exchanging some microcode the XC is able to realize beside others a PROFINET IRT Switch, EtherCAT Slave, Ethernet Powerlink HUB, PROFIBUS, CAN bus, CC-Link Industrial Networks Interface.
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Multiplex Matrix IOs (MMIO)
The Multiplex Matrix is a set of PINs which could be configured freely with peripherial functions. Options are CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, GPIOs**, PIOs and SYNC Trigger.
GPIOs
The GPIOs from Hilscher are able to generate Interupts, could count level or flags, or could be connected to a timerunit to auto generate a PWM. The Resolution of the PWM is normaly 10ns. In some netX ASICS is a dedicated Motion unit with a resolution if 1ns is available.