## Overview of netX Technology **netX** (Networked controller NeXt Generation) is a highly integrated family of System-on-Chips (SoCs) developed by **Hilscher**. These electronic components are specifically designed to handle complex industrial communication tasks, acting as a bridge between high-level applications and various industrial network protocols. --- ### 1. Key Internal Hardware Components The netX architecture is unique because it combines a standard processor core with a flexible, programmable communication subsystem. | Component | Function | Details | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **ARM CPU Core** | Application Processing | Usually an ARM9, Cortex-M4, or Cortex-A9 depending on the generation (e.g., netX 90 vs netX 500). | | **xC Subsystem** | Communication Channels | Programmable "Real-Time Ethernet" units that handle the physical and data link layers of industrial protocols. | | **Internal RAM** | Data Buffering | High-speed internal memory for fast packet processing. | | **Memory Controller** | External Expansion | Interfaces for SDRAM, SRAM, and Flash memory. | | **Integrated PHYs** | Physical Interface | Many versions include integrated Ethernet Physical Layers (PHY) to reduce board space. | --- ### 2. The Communication Subsystem (xC) The most critical part of the netX chip is the **xC (Extended Communication)** block. Unlike standard microcontrollers that use hardware-fixed peripherals (like a standard SPI or UART), the xC block is a microcoded ALU. * **Protocol Flexibility:** By loading different firmware into the xC block, the same chip can support **PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, POWERLINK, and Sercos**. * **Real-time Performance:** It handles the strict timing requirements of industrial Ethernet without taxing the main ARM CPU. --- ### 3. Popular netX Families | Model Series | Targeted Application | Key Feature | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **netX 90** | Small Devices / Sensors | Dual-core (App + Comms), low power consumption, built-in security. | | **netX 51/52** | High-end Slaves | Dual-port Ethernet with integrated PHYs; used in motor drives and I/O modules. | | **netX 500** | Master/Controller | Higher processing power for PLC-like applications and network gateways. | | **netX 4000** | High-End Infrastructure | Multi-core ARM Cortex-A9 for visualization and complex cloud connectivity. | --- ### 4. Hardware Integration Example If you were designing a PCB with a netX chip, the typical electronic layout would look like this: ```mermaid graph LR A[RJ45 Connector] --> B[Magnetics] B --> C[netX Internal PHY] C --> D[xC Communication Block] D --> E[Internal ARM CPU] E --> F[SPI/I2C/UART to Local Sensors] E --> G[External Flash/RAM] ``` --- ### 5. Why netX is Used in Industry 1. **Multiprotocol Support:** Manufacturers can use one hardware design for multiple markets just by changing the software. 2. **Long-term Availability:** Hilscher guarantees long lifecycles (10+ years), which is essential for industrial machinery. 3. **Security:** Modern chips like the netX 90 include a **Secure Boot** mechanism to protect firmware from tampering.