本網站使用瀏覽器紀錄 (Cookies) 來提供您最好的使用體驗，我們使用的 Cookie 也包括了第三方 Cookie。相關資訊請訪問我們的隱私權與 Cookie 政策。如果您選擇繼續瀏覽或關閉這個提示，便表示您已接受我們的網站使用條款。 關閉
1. Introduction With the rapid development of generative AI, machine vision, edge computing, smart manufacturing, and humanoid robotics, next-generation platforms are increasingly adopting high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, USB, and Ethernet. However, the number of native I/O interfaces such as UART, SPI, and CAN FD is often insufficient, while many industrial and commercial devices still rely on traditional interfaces such as RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and parallel ports. As a result, expanding serial ports, parallel ports, and other peripheral interfaces through PCIe or USB 2.0 I/O bridge controllers has become an important way to connect next-generation AI platforms with existing equipment. This article introduces ASIX Electronics’ AX99100A, AX78140, and AX78120 I/O bridge controllers, as well as RS-232 and RS-485 UART transceivers, and discusses their design considerations and product selection for industrial PCs, DAQ systems, edge AI, POS systems, commercial terminals, and humanoid robotics. 2. From Host Bus to Serial Interface: I/O Bridge and UART Architecture PCIe/USB multi-I/O bridge controllers enable host systems to expand multiple UART ports, parallel ports, SPI, Local Bus, and GPIO interfaces. They also handle data buffering, interrupt management, and data transfer, serving as an important control core between the host and low-speed peripherals. The integrated UART converts parallel host data into serial data and vice versa, while supporting programmable baud rates, FIFO buffering, flow control, and error detection. Because UART outputs are typically CMOS/TTL logic signals, they are not equivalent to RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 electrical interfaces. Appropriate UART transceivers are therefore required to complete the physical-layer conversion when connecting external devices. 3. AX99100A: PCIe Multi-I/O Bridging Solution The ASIX AX99100A is a PCIe multi-I/O bridge controller that expands a PCIe x1 interface into UART, parallel port, SPI Master, Local Bus, and GPIO interfaces. It supports four major operating modes: 4S, 2S+1P, 2S+SPI, and Local Bus. The 4S mode is suitable for multi-port industrial serial communication. The 2S+1P mode supports legacy LPT peripherals. The 2S+SPI mode enables simultaneous connection to serial devices and ADCs, DACs, FPGAs, MCUs, or CAN FD controllers. Local Bus mode is suitable for FPGA, ASIC, and legacy bus migration applications. Each AX99100A UART includes independent TX/RX FIFOs and supports programmable baud rates up to 25 Mbps. It is suitable for industrial PCs, DAQ systems, automation equipment, measurement instruments, POS systems, edge AI platforms, and intelligent robotics. 4. AX78140 / AX78120: USB 2.0 Serial and Parallel Port Expansion Solutions For Panel PCs, compact IPCs, single-board computers, and edge AI devices without available PCIe slots, USB 2.0 provides a flexible and easy-to-deploy I/O expansion interface. The ASIX AX78140 supports 4S (four UARTs) and 2S+1P (two UARTs plus one parallel port) modes, with UART speeds of up to 6 Mbps. It can be used in multi-port serial communication, DAQ systems, industrial automation, test instruments, and POS applications. The AX78120 provides 1S and 2S UART modes and also supports UART speeds of up to 6 Mbps, along with flow control, automatic direction control, and EEPROM configuration. It is suitable for USB-to-RS-232/RS-485 devices, compact embedded systems, and robot maintenance interfaces where size, cost, and power consumption are important considerations. 5. AX99100A / AX78140 / AX78120 Product Selection Guide When selecting an I/O expansion solution for PCIe or USB 2.0 platforms, the first considerations should include the host interface, required UART count, whether a parallel port is needed, and whether additional functions such as SPI, Local Bus, or GPIO are required. If the system provides a PCIe Root Port and requires multiple UARTs, SPI, Local Bus, or GPIO, AX99100A is the preferred choice. If the platform uses USB 2.0 and requires up to four UARTs or a combination of serial and parallel interfaces, AX78140 is suitable. If only one or two UARTs are required and system size, cost, and power consumption are key priorities, AX78120 provides a more compact solution. Other factors such as operating system and driver support, PCB space, package type, operating temperature, external physical-layer interface, and long-term reliability should also be considered during system planning. 6. UART Transceivers: Connecting RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 After PCIe or USB is bridged to UART, the system must use an appropriate transceiver according to the external device interface standard. ASIX provides low-power 3V/5V RS-232 and RS-422/485 transceivers that convert UART logic signals into single-ended or differential electrical signals. RS-232 Transceivers:Suitable for point-to-point and short-distance communication. Typical applications include barcode scanners, printers, UPS systems, electronic scales, CNC controllers, and test instruments. AX3243E supports data rates up to 250 Kbps, while AX3243F supports up to 1 Mbps. Both provide ESD protection and power-saving features. RS-422/485 Transceivers:Differential signaling provides stronger noise immunity, longer transmission distance, and multi-node communication capability. Typical applications include Modbus RTU, building automation, energy management, and industrial control. ZT491E supports up to 32 nodes, while ZT491H supports up to 256 nodes. Both support data rates up to 10 Mbps and provide ±15 kV ESD protection. Selection Considerations:Designers should verify host logic voltage and system power architecture, and evaluate interface type, data rate, duplex mode, Unit Load, ESD/surge protection, operating temperature, package type, and low-power requirements. For long-distance or high-noise environments, termination, biasing, isolation, and grounding should also be carefully designed. 7. Design Considerations for PCIe / USB Serial and Parallel Communication Cards PCIe and USB serial/parallel communication cards are mainly used to add COM and LPT ports to modern host systems so they can continue connecting to PLCs, CNC machines, variable-frequency drives, POS equipment, test instruments, and other legacy devices. For PCIe applications, AX99100A can be used in 4S or 2S+1P mode. For USB 2.0 multi-port serial applications, AX78140 is suitable, while AX78120 can be used when only one or two UART channels are required. External communication still requires appropriate RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 transceivers. Interface form factor, isolation, protection, driver compatibility, simultaneous multi-port operation, and long-term stability should all be considered to build a reliable industrial serial communication solution. 8. Design Considerations for PCIe / USB Data Acquisition Cards PCIe and USB data acquisition (DAQ) cards are widely used in industrial measurement, equipment monitoring, energy management, automated testing, and smart manufacturing. In a DAQ system, ADCs, AFEs, MCUs, or FPGAs perform signal sampling and preprocessing, while AX99100A, AX78140, or AX78120 transfers processed data and control signals to the PCIe or USB host. For PCIe DAQ applications, AX99100A can use SPI, Local Bus, and GPIO to connect ADCs, FPGAs, and trigger logic. USB 2.0 DAQ products can select AX78140 or AX78120 according to channel count and product form factor. Designers should also consider power quality, grounding, isolation, clocking, input protection, sampling rate, multi-channel synchronization, data throughput, and long-term stability. 9. Design Considerations for Industrial PCs and Edge AI Devices Industrial PCs and edge AI devices must balance computing performance with I/O expansion, device compatibility, and long-term reliability. If PCIe is available, AX99100A can expand UART, parallel port, SPI, Local Bus, and GPIO interfaces. If PCIe resources are limited, AX78140 or AX78120 can provide serial expansion through USB 2.0. In edge AI applications, these I/O bridge controllers can act as the connection interface between the AI host and PLCs, sensors, instruments, and other field devices, enabling both data acquisition and control command transmission. System design should also take into account driver compatibility, interface resources, isolation and protection, multi-port operation, and long-term reliability. 10. Design Considerations for POS Systems and Commercial Terminals POS systems and commercial terminals often connect to peripherals such as barcode scanners, electronic scales, printers, customer displays, and other devices. Many legacy peripherals still use RS-232 or parallel interfaces, making compatibility between modern and legacy interfaces an important design requirement. For onboard designs, AX99100A can expand multiple UARTs or mixed serial/parallel interfaces. For external I/O boxes or systems where PCIe expansion is not practical, AX78140 or AX78120 can provide USB 2.0 expansion. Appropriate UART transceivers and protection circuits should also be included, and the system should be validated for hot plugging, sleep/wake behavior, simultaneous peripheral operation, and driver compatibility. 11. Design Considerations for Intelligent Collaborative Robots Humanoid and service robots commonly use a hierarchical control architecture. A central AI platform handles vision, perception, and high-level decision-making, while endpoint MCUs, DSPs, or motor controllers perform real-time motion and safety control. When the central platform does not provide enough UART, SPI, or CAN FD resources, AX99100A can expand UART, SPI, and GPIO through PCIe. For example, in a dexterous hand application, AX99100A can connect through SPI to an external CAN FD controller, which is then paired with a CAN FD transceiver to create an independent communication network for hand MCUs, motor drivers, and sensor nodes. This architecture can reduce I/O loading and wiring complexity on the central control board while improving system scalability and fault isolation. High-speed closed-loop control should still be performed locally by endpoint controllers. 12. Conclusion As AI, edge computing, and smart manufacturing continue to evolve, next-generation platforms offer greater computing performance and faster interfaces, yet they must still support a large installed base of industrial equipment using RS-232, RS-485, UART, and parallel interfaces. ASIX AX99100A, AX78140, and AX78120 provide PCIe and USB 2.0 I/O expansion for UART, parallel port, SPI, and Local Bus interfaces. When combined with ASIX RS-232 and RS-485 UART transceivers, they form a complete connectivity solution from host interface and I/O bridging to the external communication layer. This architecture helps IPC, DAQ, POS, edge AI, and robotics systems preserve existing equipment investments while improving compatibility, reliability, and scalability across both legacy and next-generation platforms.
一、前言 隨著生成式 AI、機器視覺、邊緣運算、智慧製造與人形機器人快速發展，新一代設備平台大量採用 PCIe、USB、Ethernet 等高速介面，但原生 UART、SPI、CAN FD 等 I/O 數量往往不足，同時仍需相容大量採用 RS-232、RS-422、RS-485、並列埠等傳統介面的工業與商用設備。因此，透過 PCIe 或 USB 2.0 I/O 橋接晶片擴充串列埠、並列埠及其他周邊介面，已成為連接新一代 AI 平台與既有設備的重要方式。 本文將介紹亞信電子 AX99100A、AX78140／AX78120 I/O 橋接控制器，以及 RS-232／RS-485 UART 收發器，並說明其在工業電腦、DAQ、邊緣 AI、POS、商用終端及人形機器人等應用中的設計與選型重點。 二、從主機匯流排到串列介面：I/O 橋接器與 UART 架構解析 PCIe／USB 多功能 I/O 橋接器可將主機介面擴充為多組 UART、並列埠、SPI、Local Bus 與 GPIO，並負責資料緩衝、中斷及傳輸管理，是連接主機與低速周邊設備的重要控制核心。 其內建 UART 負責平行與串列資料轉換，並支援鮑率、FIFO、流量控制及錯誤偵測等功能。由於 UART 輸出僅為 CMOS／TTL 邏輯訊號，連接 RS-232、RS-422 或 RS-485 設備時，仍需搭配相應 UART 收發器完成實體層轉換。 三、AX99100A：PCIe 多功能 I/O 橋接方案 亞信電子 AX99100A 是一款 PCIe 多功能 I/O 橋接控制器，可透過 PCIe x1 擴充 UART、並列埠、SPI Master、Local Bus 與 GPIO，並支援 4S、2S+1P、2S+SPI 及 Local Bus 四種工作模式。 其中，4S 模式適合多串列埠工業通訊；2S+1P 可相容傳統 LPT 周邊設備；2S+SPI 可同時連接串列設備與 ADC、DAC、FPGA、MCU 或 CAN FD 控制器；Local Bus 則適用於 FPGA、ASIC 及舊式匯流排設備升級。 AX99100A 每組 UART 具備獨立 TX／RX FIFO，並支援最高 25 Mbps 可程式化鮑率，適用於工業電腦、DAQ、自動化設備、量測儀器、POS、邊緣 AI 與智慧機器人等應用。 四、AX78140／AX78120：USB 2.0 串列埠與並列埠擴充方案 對於缺乏 PCIe 插槽的 Panel PC、小型 IPC、單板電腦及邊緣 AI 設備，USB 2.0 是靈活且易於部署的 I/O 擴充方案。 亞信電子 AX78140 支援 4S（四組 UART）與 2S+1P（雙 UART + 並列埠）模式，UART 速率最高可達 6 Mbps，可用於多串列埠通訊、DAQ、工業自動化、測試儀器及 POS 等設備。 AX78120 則提供 1S／2S UART 模式，同樣支援最高 6 Mbps，並具備流量控制、自動方向控制及 EEPROM 設定等功能，適合 USB 轉 RS-232／RS-485、小型嵌入式設備與機器人維護介面等重視尺寸、成本與功耗的應用。 五、AX99100A／AX78140／AX78120 產品選型指南 在 PCIe 與 USB 2.0 I/O 擴充應用中，產品選型應先確認主機介面、UART 數量、是否需要並列埠，以及是否需要 SPI、Local Bus 或 GPIO 等額外功能。 若系統具備 PCIe Root Port，且需要多組 UART、SPI、Local Bus 或 GPIO，可優先考慮 AX99100A；若產品採用 USB 2.0 且需要最多四組 UART 或串並列埠混合介面，可選擇 AX78140；若僅需一至兩組 UART，並重視尺寸、成本與功耗，AX78120 則是更精簡的方案。 選型時還應同步考量作業系統、驅動程式支援、板面空間、封裝、工作溫度、外部實體層介面與長時間運作需求，以完成整體系統架構規劃。 六、UART 收發器：連接 RS-232、RS-422 與 RS-485 在 PCIe 或 USB 橋接至 UART 後，系統需依外部設備標準搭配相應收發器。亞信電子提供低功耗 3V／5V RS-232 與 RS-422／485 收發器，將 UART 邏輯訊號轉換為單端或差分電氣訊號。 RS-232 收發器：適合點對點、短距離通訊，常用於條碼掃描器、印表機、UPS、電子秤、CNC 控制器與測試儀器。AX3243E 最高支援 250 Kbps，AX3243F 最高支援 1 Mbps，並具備 ESD 保護與節能功能。 RS-422／485 收發器：採用差分傳輸，具備較佳抗雜訊能力、較長傳輸距離，並支援多節點通訊。常見於 Modbus RTU、樓宇自動化、能源管理與工業控制。ZT491E 支援 32 節點，ZT491H 支援 256 節點，速率最高可達 10 Mbps，並具備 ±15 kV ESD 保護。 選型重點：需確認主控邏輯電壓與系統電源架構，並依介面類型、速率、雙工模式、Unit Load、ESD／突波保護、工作溫度、封裝及低功耗需求進行評估。長距離或高雜訊環境下，還需注意終端匹配、偏壓、隔離與接地設計。 七、PCIe／USB 串並列埠通訊卡設計考量 PCIe／USB 串並列埠通訊卡主要用於為新型主機擴充 COM Port 與 LPT Port，以連接 PLC、CNC、變頻器、POS、測試儀器及其他既有設備。 PCIe 應用可採用 AX99100A 的 4S 或 2S+1P 模式；USB 2.0 多串列埠方案可選 AX78140，若僅需 1～2 組 UART，則可採用 AX78120。 實際外部通訊仍需搭配 RS-232／RS-422／RS-485 收發器，並綜合考量介面形式、隔離、防護、驅動程式相容性、多埠同時傳輸與長時間穩定性，建構可靠的工業串列通訊方案。 八、PCIe／USB 資料擷取卡產品設計考量 PCIe／USB 資料擷取卡（DAQ）廣泛應用於工業量測、設備監控、能源管理、自動測試與智慧製造。 系統設計中，ADC、AFE、MCU 或 FPGA 負責訊號取樣與前處理，AX99100A、AX78140／AX78120 則負責將資料與控制訊號傳送至 PCIe 或 USB 主機。 其中，PCIe DAQ 可利用 AX99100A 的 SPI、Local Bus 與 GPIO 連接 ADC、FPGA 及 Trigger 邏輯；USB 2.0 DAQ 則可依通道數量與產品形式選擇 AX78140 或 AX78120。 同時還需重視電源、接地、隔離、時鐘、輸入保護，以及取樣率、多通道同步、資料吞吐量與長時間穩定性。 九、工業電腦（IPC）與邊緣 AI 設備產品設計考量 工業電腦（IPC）與邊緣 AI 設備除了運算效能外，也需兼顧 I/O 擴充、設備相容性與長時間穩定運作。 若平台具備 PCIe，可採用 AX99100A 擴充 UART、並列埠、SPI、Local Bus 與 GPIO；若 PCIe 資源有限，則可透過 USB 2.0 搭配 AX78140／AX78120 擴充串列介面。 在邊緣 AI 應用中，這些 I/O 橋接控制器可作為 AI 主機與 PLC、感測器、儀器及其他現場設備之間的連接介面，實現資料讀取與控制指令傳輸。 系統設計時還應綜合考量驅動程式相容性、介面資源、隔離防護、多埠傳輸及長時間運作可靠性。 十、POS 收銀機與商用終端設備產品設計考量 POS 收銀機與商用終端設備通常需連接條碼掃描器、電子秤、印表機、客戶顯示器等周邊，其中許多既有設備仍採用 RS-232 或並列埠，因此新舊介面相容性十分重要。 主機板內建式設計可採用 AX99100A 擴充多組 UART 或串並列埠；若採用外接 I/O Box，或不便增加 PCIe，則可透過 AX78140／AX78120 建立 USB 2.0 擴充方案。 系統設計還需搭配適當的 UART 收發器與保護電路，並驗證熱插拔、休眠喚醒、多周邊同時運作及驅動程式相容性。 十一、智慧協作機器人產品設計考量 人形機器人與服務型機器人通常採用分層控制架構，由中央 AI 平台負責視覺、感知與高階決策，末端 MCU、DSP 或馬達控制器則執行即時運動與安全控制。 當中央平台的 UART、SPI 或 CAN FD 資源不足時，可透過 AX99100A 利用 PCIe 擴充 UART、SPI 與 GPIO 等介面。 以靈巧手為例，AX99100A 可透過 SPI 連接外部 CAN FD 控制器，再搭配 CAN FD 收發器建立獨立通訊網路，連接手部 MCU、馬達驅動器與感測節點。 此方案可降低中央控制板 I/O 負擔與線束複雜度，並提升系統擴充性與故障隔離能力；高速閉迴路控制則仍由末端控制器於本地執行。 十二、結論 隨著 AI、邊緣運算與智慧製造持續發展，新一代平台雖然擁有更強的運算能力與高速介面，但仍需相容大量採用 RS-232、RS-485、UART 與並列埠的既有工業設備。 亞信電子 AX99100A、AX78140 與 AX78120 可透過 PCIe／USB 2.0 擴充 UART、並列埠、SPI 與 Local Bus，並搭配亞信 RS-232／RS-485 UART 收發器，形成完整的 I/O 連接方案。 透過這樣的架構，可協助 IPC、DAQ、POS、邊緣 AI 與機器人等系統延續既有設備投資，同時提升新舊平台之間的相容性、可靠性與擴充性。
EtherCAT technology, with its high-speed transmission, low latency, synchronization, and scalable daisy-chain and junction topologies, is a critical technology for humanoid robot and dexterous hand design. Introduction The growth momentum of humanoid robots primarily stems from population aging and labor shortages, driving demand for medical care and service-oriented robots. The wave of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 has further fueled factories’ desire for high-degree-of-freedom collaborative robots. As AI algorithms mature, sensor technologies advance, and high-performance computing platforms become widely adopted, humanoid robots are achieving more natural movements, enhanced precision, and greater autonomy—positioning them as optimal solutions for smart factories, healthcare, and hazardous environments. EtherCAT technology, with its high-speed transmission, low latency, synchronization, and scalable daisy-chain and junction topologies, is a critical technology for humanoid robot and dexterous hand design. Key Technologies in Humanoid Robot and Dexterous Hand Product Design In humanoid robot design, engineers must balance flexible movement, multi-axis coordination, precise control, and real-time feedback to reproduce natural motions and accomplish fine operations. Among these, the dexterous hand is the most challenging subsystem, requiring the recreation of complex structures within limited space while integrating actuation, sensing, and communication modules. Each finger, driven by servo motors or miniature actuators, can finely adjust gripping force—capable of securely holding heavy objects while gently handling fragile items. The dexterous hand also integrates pressure, temperature, and sliding sensors to provide tactile feedback, supporting precision tasks such as electronic assembly and medical assistance. EtherCAT technology ensures real-time coordination of multi-finger actions and supports modular design, enhancing maintenance and scalability. Combined with AI and edge computing, the dexterous hand can dynamically adjust strategies, enabling more natural collaboration in human–robot interaction. Key Technical Highlights of Humanoid Robots Design High Degrees of Freedom and Multi-Axis Coordination: Ensures synchronous operation of dozens to hundreds of motors, avoiding delays or misalignment. Real-Time Response and High-Precision Control: EtherCAT’s microsecond-level communication cycles support precise multi-axis motor control. Multi-Sensor Integration: Combines IMU, torque, pressure, temperature, and vision modules to support real-time computation and decision-making. Dexterous Hand Fine Operations: Multiple servo motors or miniature actuators coordinate to ensure both firm gripping and delicate handling. Tactile Feedback: Pressure, sliding, and temperature sensors provide real-time tactile information to enhance interaction accuracy. Modular Design: The EtherCAT daisy-chain topology simplifies wiring and supports rapid integration and expansion of multiple modules. Safety and Reliability: Redundancy, error detection, and safety protocols secure stable operation in demanding environments. Intelligent Interaction: AI and edge computing enable real-time strategy adjustments for smoother human–machine collaboration. In summary, humanoid robots and dexterous hands are inherently complex systems characterized by high flexibility, multi-module integration, and multi-sensor coordination. Leveraging low latency, strong synchronization, modular support, and robust safety mechanisms, EtherCAT has become the ideal industrial-grade communication backbone. It ensures real-time coordination of multi-axis motors and finger movements, supports extensive module chaining, synchronizes control commands, sensor data, and safety signals, while effectively reducing system complexity. Without high-speed communication, humanoid robots cannot achieve natural and fluid motion; without real-time feedback, dexterous hands cannot perform fine operations. Thus, EtherCAT has emerged as the optimal solution for full-body motion control in humanoid robots. Figure-1. Humanoid Robot and Dexterous Hand Smart Manufacturing Application Scenario AX58400 EtherCAT Slave Dual-Core MCU: Humanoid Robot and Dexterous Hand Applications With the rapid advancement of humanoid robots and smart manufacturing, demand for efficient communication and precise control continues to grow. ASIX introduces the AX58400 EtherCAT slave controller with a dual-core MCU, combining EtherCAT technology and dual-core architecture. Featuring high integration, compact packaging, and versatile interface support, it provides a stable and reliable platform for computation and communication in space-constrained designs—making it an ideal solution for humanoid robots and dexterous hands. AX58400 EtherCAT Chip Benefits ž Dual-Core Architecture Role Division: The Cortex-M7 handles application control, multi-axis motor coordination, and sensor feedback, while the Cortex-M4 is dedicated to EtherCAT industrial communication. Operating independently, the two cores ensure real-time performance and reliability, shorten overall cycle time, and enhance motion control sensitivity and precision. ž High-Integration ESC Microcontroller: Integrates a high-performance dual-core MCU, ESC, dual high-speed Ethernet PHY, and large-capacity Flash within a compact 13×13mm BGA package. Designed to reduce external components, it delivers reliable computing and communication for space-limited humanoid robot joints and dexterous hands. ž Large-Capacity Memory Configuration: Integrates 2MB dual-bank Flash and 1MB SRAM to meet complex motor control and real-time computing demands. ž Compact Package Design: Employs TFBGA packaging to enhance heat dissipation, minimize PCB footprint, and lower hardware costs. ž Precise Motor Drive: Equipped with high-resolution timers, PWM, ADC, and incremental encoders to enable accurate multi-axis motor control, while supporting integration of vision, tactile, pressure, and torque sensors. ž Versatile Interface Support: Integrates Ethernet MAC, USB 2.0 OTG, SPI, UART, I²C, and CAN-FD to address diverse requirements in smart manufacturing and robotics. ž Communication Security Assurance: Equipped with AES/TDES/HASH/HMAC hardware encryption engines, along with ROP/PCROP/Anti-tamper technologies to ensure data and firmware security. ž Reliability and Safety: Featuring a dual-core architecture with advanced fault detection, EtherCAT redundancy, and flexible node branching to meet the stringent safety requirements of humanoid robots. ž Low-Power Design: Provides multiple power management modes to reduce energy consumption and extend operating endurance, making it suitable for long-duration service and industrial applications. ž Modular Expansion Capability: Serves as the core for joint or finger modules, interconnected through EtherCAT topology. Supports multi-module collaboration and simplifies system expansion and maintenance. ASIX AxRobot EtherCAT 7-Axis Force-Assisted Control Robot solution integrates a motor assist controller capable of real-time abnormal torque detection and collision recognition, enabling rapid shutdown to ensure operator safety. The solution adopts a modular motor drive design to reduce joint driver board space and lower hardware costs. With EtherCAT daisy-chain topology, communication is simplified, minimizing wiring complexity and maintenance effort—particularly suitable for humanoid and collaborative robots. The AX58400 features high-resolution timers and multi-channel PWM to precisely drive finger joints of dexterous hands, supporting multi-DOF coordinated control and integrating multiple I/O and sensors to ensure natural and smooth hand movements. Through EtherCAT high-speed communication, tactile feedback and control commands are synchronized, while the dual-core architecture simultaneously supports control algorithms and AI edge inference, providing intelligent real-time feedback. Its high level of integration makes modules more compact, reduces PCB space and cost, and maintains performance and stability, delivering a safe, precise, and efficient technological foundation for humanoid robots and dexterous hands. Figure-2. AX58400 EtherCAT Slave Dual-Core MCU: Humanoid Robot and Dexterous Hand Applications Integration Advantages of AX58400 and the STM32 Ecosystem The AX58400 EtherCAT slave controller with a dual-core MCU adopts a system-in-package (SiP) based on STMicroelectronics’ STM32H755 microcontroller, delivering both high performance and high integration in its hardware architecture. Fully compatible with the STM32 MCU ecosystem, it provides significant advantages for humanoid robot and dexterous hand designs, enabling design teams to efficiently complete the entire process from prototyping to mass production. AX58400 supports mainstream development environments such as STM32Cube, Keil, and IAR, enabling engineers to quickly get started and leverage real-time debugging, simulation, and firmware update tools to shorten development cycles. Meanwhile, the STM32 ecosystem further offers software packages for EtherCAT, motor control, and sensor drivers. Developers can directly apply sample programs from the STM32 motor control development kit to rapidly build humanoid robot joints or dexterous hand modules. In addition, STM32’s global developer community offers forums, technical documentation, and open-source projects, allowing design teams to access immediate support and reduce development risks. With this mature ecosystem, teams no longer need to develop communication protocols or control algorithms from scratch, significantly reducing manpower and time costs while accelerating time-to-market. In summary, by integrating the AX58400 with the STM32 MCU ecosystem—leveraging tools, software, community support, and modular design—humanoid robot and dexterous hand products can be rapidly designed, validated, and mass-produced. This not only shortens R&D cycles but also reduces costs and risks, providing a solid foundation for industrial commercialization. Figure-3. STMicroelectronics STM32 MCU Software Development Tools AX58101 Humanoid Robot Application: Cost-Efficient and Safe EtherCAT Junction Topology The AX58101 is a highly integrated 4-port EtherCAT subdevice controller (ESC) featuring dual Fast Ethernet PHYs and dual MII interfaces. It supports port swapping between ESC port 0 and port 2, offering flexible options to meet diverse network topology requirements. In mainstream 8-port EtherCAT junction designs, only three AX58101 chips combined with two external PHYs are sufficient to complete the design with ease. Compared with traditional solutions that typically require at least six EtherCAT chips and six external PHYs, the AX58101 significantly reduces hardware costs and PCB space. In humanoid robot applications, the AX58101 serves as an EtherCAT junction, working with a central EtherCAT MainDevice and multiple AX58400 EtherCAT SubDevices to establish a high-performance modular communication architecture. This configuration enables precise, real-time control of multi-axis motors in the head, arms, legs, and dexterous hands. Each SubDevice can independently drive multiple motors while integrating vision, tactile, pressure, and torque sensors to deliver immediate feedback, resulting in smoother and more natural movements. By combining EtherCAT daisy-chain and junction hybrid topologies, the architecture allows flexible module connections, simplifies wiring, and improves maintenance efficiency. To further enhance system reliability and safety, ASIX offers an AX58101 EtherCAT junction redundancy design. Branch endpoints can be looped back to another junction port, forming a ring communication path. In the event of a link failure, the system automatically switches to the backup channel, ensuring uninterrupted communication—particularly important in high-risk or complex environments. In advanced humanoid robot systems, multiple EtherCAT MainDevices can be deployed, each managing real-time control of different body parts to improve motion coordination and adaptability. In summary, the EtherCAT junction topology enabled by AX58101 not only supports parallel multi-module operation but also strengthens safety, reliability, and scalability through redundancy and multi-MainDevices architecture, making it an ideal foundation for humanoid robot communication and drive solutions. Figure-4. AX58101 Humanoid Robot Application: EtherCAT Junction Topology Conclusion The design of humanoid robots and dexterous hands represents a major challenge in smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence, and is an indispensable step in advancing ‘Physical AI’. With rapidly growing market demand, systems must simultaneously ensure flexible motion, multi-axis coordination, real-time feedback, and high safety. Leveraging high-speed transmission, low latency, strong synchronization, and excellent scalability, EtherCAT technology has become the core of industrial communication. The AX58400 dual-core microcontroller integrates both communication and control functions, offering low power consumption and built-in safety mechanisms. Fully compatible with the STM32 MCU ecosystem, it provides comprehensive tools and technical support to accelerate the transition from design to mass production, making it particularly well-suited for precision modules such as dexterous hands. Meanwhile, the AX58101 junction solution employs a highly integrated design to reduce hardware costs and PCB footprint, while supporting hybrid daisy-chain and junction topologies with redundancy features to further enhance system reliability and safety. Overall, the AX58400 and AX58101 jointly deliver a high-performance, reliable, and scalable communication and drive solution. This not only increases the value of humanoid robots and dexterous hands but also helps customers bring products to market more quickly, establishing a solid technological foundation for smart manufacturing and “Physical AI”. ASIX Electronics Corporation https://www.asix.com.tw/
EtherCAT技術憑藉高速傳輸、低延遲、高同步性與靈活且高擴展性的菊花鏈與節點分岐拓樸，成為人形機器人與靈巧手設計的關鍵技術。 前言 全球人形機器人的成長動能，主要來自人口老化與勞動力短缺，推升醫療照護與服務型機器人的需求；智慧製造與工業4.0的浪潮，更帶動工廠對高自由度協作型機器人的渴求。隨著AI演算法成熟、感測器技術突破，以及高效能運算平台普及，人形機器人展現出更自然的動作、更精細的操作能力與更高的自主性，成為智慧工廠、醫療照護及危險環境的最佳解決方案。EtherCAT技術憑藉高速傳輸、低延遲、高同步性與靈活且高擴展性的菊花鏈（Daisy Chain）與節點分岐拓樸，成為人形機器人與靈巧手設計的關鍵技術。 人形機器人與靈巧手產品設計關鍵技術 在人形機器人設計中，工程師需兼顧靈活運動、多軸協同、精準控制與即時回饋，才能重現自然動作並完成精細操作。其中，靈巧手是最具挑戰性的子系統，需在有限空間內重現複雜結構，並整合驅動、感測與通訊模組。每根手指由伺服馬達或微型致動器協同運作，可精細調整抓握力，既能穩固持重物，也能輕柔操作易碎品。靈巧手同時整合壓力、溫度與滑動感測器，提供觸覺回饋，支援電子組裝與醫療輔助等精密任務。EtherCAT技術確保多指動作即時協同，並支援模組化設計，提升維護與擴展效率。結合AI與邊緣運算，靈巧手能即時調整策略，在人機互動中展現更自然的協作。 人形機器人核心技術重點 ž 高自由度與多軸協同：確保數十至上百個自由度的馬達同步運作，避免延遲或不協調。 ž 即時反應與高精度控制：EtherCAT微秒級通訊週期支撐多軸馬達精準控制。 ž 多感測器整合：整合IMU（慣性測量單元）、力矩、壓力、溫度與視覺模組，支援即時演算與決策。 ž 靈巧手精細操作：多伺服馬達或微型驅動器協同控制，兼顧穩固握持與輕柔操作。 ž 觸覺回饋：壓力、滑動與溫度感測器提供即時觸覺資訊，提升互動精度。 ž 模組化設計：EtherCAT菊花鏈拓撲簡化布線，支援多模組快速整合與擴展。 ž 安全與可靠性：錯誤檢測、冗餘路徑與安全協定確保高風險場景下的穩定性。 ž 智慧化互動：結合AI與邊緣運算，即時調整操作策略，提升人機協作自然度。 綜合而言，人形機器人與靈巧手本質上是高靈活度、多模組、多感測器協同運作的複雜系統。EtherCAT技術憑藉低延遲、高同步性、模組化支持與安全機制，成為理想的工業級通訊骨幹。它能確保多軸馬達與多指動作即時協同，支援大量模組串接，同步傳輸控制指令、感測數據與安全訊號，並有效降低系統複雜度。缺乏高速通訊，人形機器人難以展現自然流暢的動作；缺乏即時回饋，靈巧手也無法完成精細操作。因此，EtherCAT已成為人形機器人全身運動控制的最佳解決方案。 （圖一） 人形機器人與靈巧手智慧製造應用情境 AX58400 EtherCAT從站雙核微控制器：人形機器人與靈巧手應用 隨著人形機器人與智慧製造的快速發展，市場對高效通訊與精密控制的需求持續攀升。亞信電子推出AX58400 EtherCAT從站雙核微控制器，以雙核心架構結合EtherCAT技術，兼具高整合度、小型封裝與多元介面支援，能在空間受限的設計中提供穩定可靠的運算與通訊基礎，成為人形機器人與靈巧手應用的理想核心方案。 AX58400 EtherCAT晶片核心優勢 ž 雙核心架構分工：Cortex M7專注於應用控制、多軸馬達與感測器回饋；Cortex M4負責EtherCAT工業通訊。兩者互不干擾，確保即時性與可靠性，並有效縮短整體週期時間，提升運動控制的靈敏度與精準度。 ž 高整合ESC微控制器：將高效能雙核微控制器、ESC、雙高速乙太網路PHY與大容量Flash整合於13×13mm BGA封裝中，減少外部器件需求，特別適合空間受限的靈巧手與人形機器人關節設計。 ž 大容量記憶體配置：內建2MB Dual Bank Flash與1MB SRAM，可支援複雜的馬達控制與即時演算需求。 ž 小型封裝設計：採用TFBGA封裝，提升散熱效率，同時降低PCB空間與硬體成本。 ž 精準馬達驅動：支援高分辨率計時器、PWM、ADC與增量編碼器，可精準控制多軸馬達，並整合視覺、觸覺、壓力與力矩感測器。 ž 多元介面支援：提供乙太網路MAC、USB 2.0 OTG、SPI/UART/I2C/CANFD等，滿足智慧製造與機器人多樣化需求。 ž 通訊安全保障：搭載AES/TDES/HASH/HMAC硬體加密引擎，並具備ROP/PCROP/Anti‑tamper技術，確保資料與韌體安全。 ž 可靠性與安全性：雙核架構搭配故障檢測與保護機制，支援EtherCAT冗餘設計，並結合靈活的EtherCAT節點分岐設計，滿足人形機器人高安全性需求。 ž 低功耗設計：提供多種低功耗電源管理模式，有效降低能耗並延長續航力，適合長時間運作的服務型與工業應用。 ž 模組化擴展能力：可作為關節或手指模組核心，透過EtherCAT拓樸快速串接，支援多模組協同，便於系統擴展與維護。 亞信電子的「AxRobot EtherCAT七軸助力控制機器手臂解決方案」內建馬達助力控制器，可即時偵測異常扭力並判斷突發碰撞，迅速停機以保障人員安全。此方案採用模組化馬達驅動設計，縮減關節驅動板空間並降低硬體成本，並透過EtherCAT菊花鏈拓樸簡化通訊連接，減少線路複雜度與維護難度，特別適合人型機器人與協作型機器人。同時，AX58400具備高分辨率計時器與多通道PWM，可精準驅動靈巧手的手指關節，支援多自由度協同控制並整合多組I/O與感測器，確保手部動作自然流暢。透過EtherCAT高速通訊同步觸覺回饋與控制指令，雙核架構更能同時支援控制演算法與AI邊緣推論，即時提供智慧化反饋。其高整合度設計讓模組更精簡，降低PCB空間與成本，同時維持效能與穩定性，為人形機器人與靈巧手提供安全、精準且高效的技術基礎。 （圖二） 亞信AX58400 EtherCAT從站雙核微控制器：人形機器人與靈巧手產品應用 AX58400與STM32生態系統的整合優勢 亞信電子AX58400 EtherCAT從站雙核微控制器，採用基於意法半導體STM32H755的系統級封裝（SiP），在硬體架構上兼具高效能與高整合度，並與STM32 MCU完整生態系統相容，為人形機器人與靈巧手設計帶來顯著優勢。透過此結合，設計團隊可快速完成從原型到量產的全流程。 AX58400支援STM32Cube、Keil、IAR等主流開發環境，工程師能迅速上手，並利用即時除錯、模擬與韌體更新工具縮短開發週期。同時，STM32生態系統提供EtherCAT、馬達控制與感測器驅動等軟體套件，開發者可透過STM32馬達控制開發套件直接套用範例程式，快速建立人形機器人關節或靈巧手模組。再加上STM32全球龐大的開發者社群，提供論壇、技術文件與開源專案，設計團隊能即時獲得支援，降低開發風險。透過成熟的STM32生態系統，團隊無需從零開發通訊協定或控制演算法，大幅減少人力與時間成本，加速產品上市。綜合而言，AX58400結合STM32 MCU生態系統，憑藉工具、軟體、社群與模組化支援的多重優勢，使人形機器人與靈巧手產品能快速完成設計、驗證與量產，不僅縮短研發週期，也降低成本與風險，為產業商業化落地提供強大助力。 （圖三） 意法半導體STM32 MCU軟體開發工具 AX58101人形機器人應用：兼具低成本與高安全性的EtherCAT節點分岐拓樸架構 AX58101是一款高整合度的4埠EtherCAT子設備控制器（ESC），內建雙高速乙太網路PHY與雙MII介面，並支援埠0與埠2的互換功能，能靈活滿足各種網路拓樸需求。在市場主流的8埠EtherCAT分歧器設計中，僅需3顆AX58101搭配2顆外接PHY，即可輕鬆完成設計；相較於傳統方案至少需要6顆EtherCAT晶片與6顆外接PHY，能有效降低硬體成本並縮減PCB空間。 在人形機器人應用中，AX58101可作為EtherCAT分歧器，搭配中央EtherCAT主設備與多組AX58400子設備，建構高效模組化通訊架構，即時精準地控制頭部、手部、腳部與靈巧手等多軸馬達。各子設備可獨立驅動多組馬達，並整合視覺、觸覺、壓力與力矩感測器，提供即時回饋，讓動作更自然流暢。此架構結合菊花鏈與節點分歧混合拓樸，模組可依需求靈活串接，簡化布線並提升維護效率。 為提升系統的可靠性與安全性，亞信電子另外提供AX58101 EtherCAT節點分歧拓樸冗餘設計功能，可將分支末端回接至分歧器另一埠，形成環狀通訊路徑。當路徑斷線時，系統能自動切換至備援通道，確保通訊不中斷，特別適合高風險或複雜地形環境下的人形機器人應用。此外，高階人形機器人系統亦可配置多個EtherCAT主設備，分別負責不同部位的即時控制，進一步提升整體運動協調性與環境適應能力。綜合而言，AX58101所建構的EtherCAT節點分歧拓樸，不僅支援多模組並行運作，更透過分歧冗餘與多主設備架構，全面強化系統的安全性、可靠性與擴展性，成為人形機器人通訊與驅動的理想技術基礎。 （圖四） AX58101人形機器人應用：EtherCAT節點分岐拓樸架構 結論 人形機器人與靈巧手的設計，是智慧製造與人工智慧領域的重要挑戰，也是推動「物理AI」不可或缺的一環。隨著市場需求快速成長，系統必須同時兼顧靈活運動、多軸協同、即時回饋與高度安全。EtherCAT技術憑藉高速傳輸、低延遲、高同步性與優異擴展能力，已成為工業通訊的核心。 亞信電子AX58400雙核微控制器整合通訊與控制，具備低功耗與安全機制，並相容STM32 MCU生態系統，能加速設計到量產流程，特別適合靈巧手等精密模組。AX58101分歧器則以高整合度設計降低成本與PCB空間，並支援菊花鏈與分歧混合拓撲及冗餘機制，提升系統可靠性與安全性。綜合而言，AX58400與AX58101共同打造高效能、可靠且可擴展的通訊與驅動解決方案，不僅提升人形機器人與靈巧手的價值，更協助客戶快速推向市場，成為智慧製造與「物理AI」的重要技術基礎。 亞信電子（ASIX Electronics Corporation） 亞信電子官方網站: https://www.asix.com.tw/
ASIX officially launches the AX88279A USB 3.2-to-2.5G Ethernet controller, delivering high-speed, low-latency, and stable wired connectivity for smart devices and edge computing. HSINCHU, Taiwan – Dec. 11th, 2025 – ASIX Electronics Corporation (TWSE:3169), a leading provider of USB Ethernet ICs, today announces the launch of its next-generation AX88279A USB 3.2 Gen 1 to 2.5G Ethernet Controller. Equipped with an integrated multi-speed Ethernet PHY (2.5G/1G/100M/10M), the AX88279A supports Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), Precision Time Protocol (PTP), and Microsoft Modern Standby — delivering a high-performance, cost-effective solution for seamless USB-based wired connectivity. High-Speed Connectivity Across Platforms The AX88279A, powered by USB 3.2 Gen 1, bridges USB to 2.5G Ethernet for faster, more stable networking. It supports native drivers for Windows, Linux, Android, Chrome OS, and Nintendo Switch, as well as CDC-NCM drivers for macOS and Linux — ensuring effortless driverless, plug-and-play connectivity. This streamlined design simplifies installation and enables rapid deployment of high-speed networking across PCs, edge AI systems, automotive platforms, mobile docks, gaming consoles, smart appliances, and 5G/LTE gateways—empowering a smarter, more connected digital lifestyle. Figure-1. ASIX AX88279A PnP & USB 3.2-to-2.5G Ethernet Connectivity Comprehensive Features for Diverse Applications The AX88279A integrates advanced networking technologies to optimize performance, compatibility, and energy efficiency across platforms: - USB Device Controller: Built-in USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 controller and PHY, supporting all power-saving states (U0–U3). - 2.5G Ethernet Controller: IEEE 802.3 compliant, with IPv4/IPv6 checksum and offload engines, TCP large send offload, 16KB Jumbo Frame, and CDC-NCM/ECM protocol support for robust cross-platform performance. - Cross-Platform Compatibility: Plug-and-play support for Windows, Linux, Android, Chrome OS, Nintendo Switch, and macOS. - Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN): Supports IEEE 802.1Qav, 802.1Qbv, 802.3br, and 802.1Qbu for real-time, low-latency data transmission in AIoT and industrial automation. - Precision Time Protocol (PTP): Compliant with IEEE 1588v2 and 802.1AS, enabling precise time synchronization for intelligent networking and edge computing. - Wake-on-LAN (WOL): Supports Microsoft Modern Standby and multiple remote wake mechanisms for efficient power management. - Advanced Power Efficiency: Incorporates ARP/NS offload and ECMA-393 ProxZzzy® technology to reduce overall system power consumption. These features make the AX88279A a high-performance, low-latency, energy-efficient, and versatile solution for consumer electronics, edge AI, automotive systems, industrial control, and smart living environments. Driving the Future of Smart Connectivity With the rapid growth of AI, IoT, 5G, and edge computing, demand for high-speed, stable, and low-latency network connectivity continues to rise. The launch of AX88279A perfectly addresses the core requirements of next-generation applications. From smart homes and smart offices to AIoT, IIoT, automotive systems, and edge intelligence, AX88279A delivers efficient and reliable USB wired networking solutions. For more information, please visit www.asix.com.tw or contact the ASIX sales team at sales@asix.com.tw ### About ASIX Electronics Corporation ASIX Electronics Corporation is a leading IC design company for Industrial/Embedded networking and connectivity solutions. ASIX was founded in May 1995 in Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan, and has been listed on Taiwan OTC Stock Exchange (TAIEX code 3169) since November 2009. ASIX products include Industrial Ethernet ICs, USB Ethernet ICs, Embedded Ethernet ICs, Interface ICs, UART Transceivers and Microcontrollers/USB KVM Switch SoC. ASIX has been certified as an ISO 9001 and 14001 suppliers. This achievement represents our continuing commitment to maintain a world-class quality system. For more information, please visit ASIX’s website at www.asix.com.tw or contact ASIX sales team via email at sales@asix.com.tw
亞信電子正式發表AX88279A USB 3.2轉2.5G乙太網路控制晶片，提供高速、低延遲且穩定的有線連接，滿足智慧裝置與邊緣運算對高效網路傳輸的需求。 【台灣新竹訊，2025年12月11日】 全球知名USB乙太網路晶片設計公司【亞信電子】（ASIX Electronics Corporation）今日正式推出最新一代USB 3.2 Gen 1轉2.5G乙太網路控制晶片 — AX88279A。此款晶片整合2.5G/1G/100M/10M乙太網路PHY，並支援時間敏感網路（TSN）、精確時間協議（PTP）、微軟新式待命（Modern Standby）等多項進階功能，為全球客戶提供高效能、低成本且易於整合的USB有線網路解決方案。 高速傳輸，全面支援多平台 AX88279A搭載USB 3.2 Gen 1介面，將USB裝置升級至2.5G乙太網路，帶來更快、更穩定的網路效能。支援Windows、Linux、Android、Chrome OS與Nintendo Switch原生驅動，並兼容macOS與Linux CDC-NCM驅動，提供真正免驅動、隨插即用的網路體驗。其精簡設計讓安裝更容易，並能迅速部署於各類USB裝置，包括PC、邊緣AI系統、車載平台、行動裝置底座、遊戲主機、智慧家電與5G/LTE閘道器，助力智慧互聯生活。 全面功能，滿足多元應用需求 AX88279A整合先進網路技術，全面提升效能、相容性與能源效率： - USB裝置控制器：整合USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1控制器與PHY，支援U0~U3節能模式。 - 2.5G乙太網路控制器：相容IEEE 802.3標準，內建IPv4/IPv6校驗與卸載引擎，支援TCP大量傳送卸載、16KB Jumbo Frame及CDC-NCM/ECM協定，確保高效能與跨平台兼容性。 - 跨平台支援：支援Windows、Linux、Android、Chrome OS、Nintendo Switch原生驅動，並相容macOS/Linux CDC-NCM，提供免驅動、隨插即用體驗。 - 時間敏感網路（TSN）：支援IEEE 802.1Qav、802.1Qbv、802.3br、802.1Qbu，確保AIoT與工控應用的即時低延遲傳輸。 - 精確時間協議（PTP）：支援IEEE 1588v2與802.1AS，高精度時間同步，滿足智慧連網與邊緣運算需求。 - 遠端網路喚醒（WOL）：支援Microsoft Modern Standby與多種喚醒機制，提升能源管理效率。 - 先進電源管理：支援ARP/NS卸載與ECMA-393 ProxZzzy®技術，有效降低系統功耗。 AX88279A兼具高效能、低延遲、低功耗與易整合特性，適用於消費電子、邊緣AI、車載系統、工業控制及智慧居家辦公等多元場景。 引領智慧連線新時代 隨著AI、IoT、5G與邊緣運算的快速發展，市場對高速、穩定、低延遲的網路連線需求持續攀升。AX88279A的推出，正好滿足新世代應用的核心需求。無論是智慧居家、智慧辦公、智慧物聯網（AIoT）、工業物聯網（IIoT）、車載系統或AI邊緣運算，AX88279A都能提供高效且可靠的USB有線連網解決方案。欲了解更多資訊，請造訪亞信電子官方網站 www.asix.com.tw，或聯繫業務團隊 sales@asix.com.tw。
AX58101 integrates dual Fast Ethernet PHYs and dual MII interfaces, and supports ESC port 0/2 switching, offering greater flexibility and cost efficiency for multi-branch EtherCAT network topology designs. HSINCHU, Taiwan – Oct. 8th, 2025 – ASIX Electronics Corporation (TWSE:3169) has long been dedicated to the development of industrial Ethernet chips, consistently driving innovation to deliver high-performance, low-latency, and highly reliable networking solutions for industrial automation and smart manufacturing worldwide. To meet the rising demand for real-time communication and precise control in applications such as smart factories, robotics, and Industrial IoT (IIoT), ASIX introduces the next-generation AX58101 EtherCAT SubDevice Controller. Featuring dual Fast Ethernet PHYs, dual MII interfaces, and ESC port 0/2 switching, AX58101 offers enhanced flexibility and cost efficiency for multi-branch EtherCAT network topologies, enabling customers to seamlessly upgrade to robust, high-speed industrial communication systems. Integrated Design and Adaptive Interfaces for Scalable EtherCAT Networks AX58101 integrates dual Fast Ethernet PHYs and dual MII interfaces, enabling flexible support for EtherCAT topologies such as line, star, and tree. Its ESC port 0/2 switching feature helps designers optimize routing under mechanical or layout constraints, reducing PCB complexity and BOM costs. With a powerful communication core and adaptable PDI configurations, AX58101 is ideal for motor control, sensor integration, and industrial automation systems. Key Features and Advantages: - Dual Fast Ethernet PHYs and Dual MII Interfaces: Supports line, star, and tree topologies; ESC port 0/2 switching enhances design flexibility and cost efficiency. - High-Performance Communication Core: 8KB RAM, 8 FMMUs, 8 Sync Managers, and 64-bit Distributed Clocks ensure low latency and high-precision synchronization. - Adaptable PDI Interfaces: Supports local bus and SPI Slave interfaces for easy integration with external microprocessors, improving system efficiency. Diverse Industrial Applications to Strengthen Market Competitiveness With its highly integrated architecture and versatile PDI interface design, AX58101 can be flexibly deployed across a wide range of industrial automation systems: - Motor and Motion Control: Connects to microcontrollers via PDI to enable high-precision position and speed control—ideal for robotic arms, AGVs, and other motion systems. - Sensor Data Acquisition: Interfaces with microcontrollers to integrate temperature, humidity, and infrared sensors for smart factory monitoring and process quality inspection. - Digital I/O Control: Supports 32 digital I/O channels, each independently managed via FMMU for high-speed triggering, output control, and status monitoring. - EtherCAT Junction Modules: Enables multi-branch network topology designs, enhancing system scalability and wiring flexibility. These capabilities empower manufacturers to rapidly adopt EtherCAT real-time communication, delivering high-performance, low-latency, and reliable industrial solutions that elevate market competitiveness. Comprehensive Design Resources to Accelerate Time-to-Market ASIX provides the AX58101 evaluation boards and a free Board Support Package (BSP), including datasheets, reference schematics, PCB layout files, hardware/software design guides, and sample codes — helping customers streamline design and validation. Supported by responsive technical assistance, these resources shorten development cycles and speed up time-to-market. For more information, please visit ASIX’s website at www.asix.com.tw or contact ASIX sales team via email at sales@asix.com.tw ### About ASIX Electronics Corporation ASIX Electronics Corporation is a leading IC design company for Industrial/Embedded networking and connectivity solutions. ASIX was founded in May 1995 in Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan, and has been listed on Taiwan OTC Stock Exchange (TAIEX code 3169) since November 2009. ASIX products include Industrial Ethernet ICs, USB Ethernet ICs, Embedded Ethernet ICs, Interface ICs, UART Transceivers and Microcontrollers/USB KVM Switch SoC. ASIX has been certified as an ISO 9001 and 14001 suppliers. This achievement represents our continuing commitment to maintain a world-class quality system. For more information, please visit ASIX’s website at www.asix.com.tw or contact ASIX sales team via email at sales@asix.com.tw
AX58101內建雙高速乙太網路PHY與雙MII介面，並支援ESC埠0/2互換，為多分支EtherCAT網路拓撲設計提供更高靈活性與成本效益。 [台灣新竹訊, 2025年10月8日] 亞信電子（ASIX Electronics Corporation）長期深耕工業乙太網路晶片領域，持續投入研發創新，致力於為全球工業自動化與智慧製造市場提供高效能、低延遲且高度可靠的網路解決方案。隨著智慧工廠、機器人及工業物聯網（IIoT）等應用對即時通訊與精準控制的需求不斷攀升，亞信電子順應市場趨勢，推出新一代AX58101 EtherCAT子設備控制器。該晶片整合雙高速乙太網路PHY與雙MII介面，並支援ESC埠0/2互換功能，為多分支EtherCAT網路拓撲設計提供更高的靈活性與成本效益，加速客戶導入高速且穩定的工業通訊架構。 高整合設計與多元介面，全面提升系統靈活性 AX58101採用高度整合架構設計，內建雙高速乙太網路PHY與雙MII介面，靈活支援直通、分歧與樹狀等多種EtherCAT網路拓撲。其ESC埠0/2互換功能，讓系統設計者在面對機構與佈線限制時，仍能最佳化網路配置，降低PCB複雜度與BOM成本。結合高效能通訊核心與多元製程資料介面（PDI），AX58101可廣泛應用於馬達控制、感測器數據採集等多元工業場景。 主要特點與優勢: - 雙高速乙太網路PHY與雙MII介面：支援直通、分歧、樹狀拓撲；ESC埠0/2互換提升設計彈性與成本效益。 - 高效能通訊核心：8KB RAM、8個FMMUs、8個同步管理器、64位元分散式時鐘，確保低延遲與高精度同步。 - 彈性PDI介面設計：提供本地匯流排與SPI Slave介面，可快速連接外部微處理器，提升系統整合效率。 多元應用場景，全面提升市場競爭力 憑藉高度整合架構與多樣化PDI介面設計，AX58101可靈活部署於各類工業自動化設備： - 馬達與運動控制：透過PDI介面連接微控制器，實現高精度位置與速度控制，適用於機械手臂、AGV自動搬運車等設備。 - 感測器數據採集：透過PDI介面連接微控制器，整合溫濕度、紅外線等感測器，應用於智慧工廠環境監控與製程品質檢測。 - 數位I/O控制：支援32路數位I/O，透過FMMU獨立控制每一路訊號，適用於高速觸發、輸出控制與狀態監測。 - EtherCAT分歧器模組：支援多分支網路拓撲設計，提升系統擴充性與佈線彈性。 這些應用不僅協助智慧製造廠商快速導入EtherCAT實時通訊能力，更能打造高性能、低延遲與高可靠性的產品，強化市場競爭力。 完整設計支援，加速產品上市 亞信電子同步提供AX58101評估板與免費開發支援套件（BSP），內容包含產品規格書、參考電路圖、PCB佈線圖、軟硬體開發文件及範例程式碼，協助客戶快速完成設計與驗證。搭配即時且專業的技術支援，協助客戶有效縮短開發時程，加速產品上市並提升市場競爭力。更多資訊請造訪 www.asix.com.tw 或來信 sales@asix.com.tw 聯繫亞信業務團隊。 ### 關於亞信電子 亞信電子股份有限公司成立於1995年，公司設立於台灣新竹科學工業園區，為一專業的工業/嵌入式網路與橋接器相關IC晶片設計廠商，2009年股票正式於櫃買中心掛牌交易（股票代號：3169）。主要產品為工業乙太網路晶片，USB乙太網路晶片，嵌入式乙太網路晶片，串並口I/O橋接器，RS-232/RS-485收發器，網路微控制器/USB KVM單晶片等。本公司已榮獲ISO 9001及14001之國際品質認證，這些成就代表著我們持續堅持國際級品質保證的決心。需要更多產品相關資訊，歡迎造訪亞信官網: www.asix.com.tw ，或透過電子郵件 sales@asix.com.tw 聯繫亞信業務人員。
HSINCHU, Taiwan – Sep. 9th, 2025 – ASIX Electronics Corporation (TWSE:3169) is set to showcase its latest USB 3.2 to 2.5G Ethernet controllers, EtherCAT subdevice microcontrollers, multifunction I/O bridges, IO-Link software stacks, TSN PCIe network cards, and USB PTP hardware timestamp solutions at the 25th China International Industry Fair (CIIF) - Industrial Automation Show (IAS 2025) in Shanghai. The exhibition will be held from September 23 to 27, 2025, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. ASIX booth will be located at 6.1H-D160. Highlight 1: EtherCAT and TSN Industrial Ethernet Technologies ASIX introduces the new AX58101 EtherCAT subdevice controller, featuring two Fast Ethernet PHYs and two MII interfaces. It supports ESC port 0 and port 2 swapping, offering enhanced flexibility and cost efficiency for EtherCAT junction module designs. The chip supports multiple communication protocols and control interfaces, making it ideal for motor and motion control, digital I/O control, sensor data acquisition, robotics, and EtherCAT-to-IO-Link gateway applications. Also on display is the AXM57104A quad-port TSN PCIe network card, supporting a wide range of TSN standards including 802.1AS, 1588v2, 802.1Qav, 802.3br/802.1Qbu, 802.1Qbv, 802.1Qci, and 802.1CB. The card features 32 synchronous I/O channels and a PPS signal output, delivering high-precision time synchronization solutions. By integrating TSN and OPC UA technologies, it facilitates seamless convergence between IT and OT networks. Highlight 2: PCIe/USB Multifunction I/O Controllers and IO-Link Software Stack ASIX will showcase the AX99100A PCIe-to-multi-I/O controller, supporting four I/O modes: 4S, 2S+1P, 2S+SPI, and local bus. This flexibility meets the diverse peripheral interface needs of embedded systems and industrial automation equipment. The AX78140 and AX78120 USB-to-multi-I/O controllers offer plug-and-play support for multiple serial and parallel interfaces, suitable for industrial PCs, data acquisition cards, measurement instruments, POS systems, and medical devices. In addition, ASIX provides a complete AX58400 EtherCAT-to-IO-Link gateway and IO-Link device software protocol stack, helping customers integrate the latest IO-Link smart sensors and actuators. Applications include temperature and humidity, pressure, photoelectric, imaging, ToF gesture sensors, smart LED tower lights, valve actuators, IO-Link hubs, and valve islands—enabling a high-performance, flexible smart manufacturing environment. Highlight 3: USB PTP Hardware Timestamp for Plug-and-Play Precision Synchronization To meet the demands of smart connected devices, ASIX introduces the AX88279 and AX88179B USB 3.2-to-2.5G/1G Ethernet controllers. These chips support CDC-ECM/NCM standard protocols and offer driver-free, plug-and-play functionality across macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Chrome OS, and Nintendo Switch platforms. Supporting Precision Time Protocol (PTP), the series achieves USB PTP hardware timestamp accuracy below 100ns on Linux platforms, delivering efficient and precise time synchronization for industrial automation systems. Figure-1. ASIX to Showcase Latest Industrial Ethernet ICs & USB PTP Timestamp at IAS 2025 Join ASIX at IAS 2025 to Shape the Future of Smart Manufacturing ASIX cordially invites industry professionals to visit booth 6.1H-D160 at the "25th China International Industry Fair (CIIF) - Industrial Automation Show (IAS 2025)", held from September 23 to 27, 2025, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai. Join ASIX technical team to explore the latest innovations in industrial communication and control technologies, and shape the future of smart manufacturing together. ### About ASIX Electronics Corporation ASIX Electronics Corporation is a leading IC design company for Industrial/Embedded networking and connectivity solutions. ASIX was founded in May 1995 in Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan, and has been listed on Taiwan OTC Stock Exchange (TAIEX code 3169) since November 2009. ASIX products include Industrial Ethernet ICs, USB Ethernet ICs, Embedded Ethernet ICs, Interface ICs, UART Transceivers and Microcontrollers/USB KVM Switch SoC. ASIX has been certified as an ISO 9001 and 14001 suppliers. This achievement represents our continuing commitment to maintain a world-class quality system. For more information, please visit ASIX’s website at www.asix.com.tw or contact ASIX sales team via email at sales@asix.com.tw
[台灣新竹訊, 2025年9月9日] 亞信電子（ASIX Electronics Corporation）將於「第25屆中國國際工業博覽會－工業自動化展（IAS 2025）」中，發表多項最新工業通訊與控制技術成果，包括USB PTP硬體時間戳方案、EtherCAT子設備微控制器、TSN PCIe網路卡、多功能I/O橋接器與IO-Link軟體協定堆疊。展覽將於2025年9月23日至27日在上海國家會展中心舉行，亞信電子攤位編號為6.1H-D160。 展出亮點一：EtherCAT與TSN晶片，打造高效工業乙太網路架構 亞信電子推出最新AX58101 EtherCAT子設備控制器，內建雙高速乙太網路PHY與雙MII介面，支援ESC埠0與埠2互換功能，為EtherCAT分歧器模組設計提供更高彈性與成本效益。該晶片支援多種通訊協定與控制介面，廣泛應用於馬達與運動控制、數位I/O控制、感測器數據擷取、機器人轉軸控制、EtherCAT轉IO-Link閘道器等工業自動化場景。 同時展出的AXM57104A四埠TSN PCIe網路卡，支援802.1AS、1588v2、802.1Qav、802.3br/802.1Qbu、802.1Qbv、802.1Qci與802.1CB等多項TSN標準，並可整合OPC UA技術，實現OT與IT網路融合。該網路卡具備32路同步I/O與單路PPS時脈輸出，提供高精度時間同步解決方案。 展出亮點二：PCIe/USB多功能I/O控制器與IO-Link協定堆疊 亞信電子將展示AX99100A PCIe轉多I/O控制器，支援4S、2S+1P、2S+SPI與本地匯流排等四種I/O模式，滿足嵌入式系統與工業自動化設備對多樣化周邊介面的需求。另有AX78140與AX78120 USB轉多I/O控制器，具備隨插即用的多串並列介面轉接能力，適用於工業電腦、數據採集卡、測量儀器、POS收銀機與醫療設備等。 此外，亞信電子提供完整的AX58400 EtherCAT轉IO-Link閘道器與IO-Link設備軟體協定堆疊，協助客戶導入最新IO-Link智慧感測器與致動器，應用範圍涵蓋溫濕度、壓力、光電、影像、ToF手勢感測器、智慧LED燈塔、閥門致動器、IO-Link集線器與閥島等，全面打造高效能、高彈性的智慧製造環境。 展出亮點三：USB PTP硬體時間戳，隨插即用精準同步 針對智慧連網設備需求，亞信電子推出AX88279與AX88179B USB 3.2轉2.5G與1G乙太網路控制晶片，支援CDC-ECM/NCM標準協定，可在macOS、Windows、Linux、Android、Chrome OS及Nintendo Switch等平台上實現免驅動、隨插即用。該系列晶片支援精確時間協議（PTP），在Linux平台下可實現低於100ns的USB PTP硬體時間戳精度，為工業自動化系統提供高效且精準的時間同步能力。 （圖一）亞信電子亮相IAS 2025，發表最新工業通訊控制晶片與USB PTP時間戳技術 誠摯邀請蒞臨IAS 2025，共創智慧製造新未來 亞信電子誠摯邀請業界先進於2025年9月23日至27日蒞臨上海國家會展中心，參觀「第25屆中國國際工業博覽會－工業自動化展（IAS 2025）」，於6.1H-D160展位與技術團隊交流最新工業通訊與控制技術，共同探索高效、精準、智慧的工業通訊控制新未來。 ### 關於亞信電子 亞信電子股份有限公司成立於1995年，公司設立於台灣新竹科學工業園區，為一專業的工業/嵌入式網路與橋接器相關IC晶片設計廠商，2009年股票正式於櫃買中心掛牌交易（股票代號：3169）。主要產品為工業乙太網路晶片，USB乙太網路晶片，嵌入式乙太網路晶片，串並口I/O橋接器，RS-232/RS-485收發器，網路微控制器/USB KVM單晶片等。本公司已榮獲ISO 9001及14001之國際品質認證，這些成就代表著我們持續堅持國際級品質保證的決心。需要更多產品相關資訊，歡迎造訪亞信官網: www.asix.com.tw ，或透過電子郵件 sales@asix.com.tw 聯繫亞信業務人員。
ASIX and MediaTek collaborate on an IoT development platform with multiple Ethernet ports HSINCHU, Taiwan – May 19th, 2025 – The Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) combines AI and IoT technologies, harnesses edge AI computing to enable real-time data analysis and seamless device connectivity. In response to the AIoT industry's demand for multi-port networking applications, MediaTek Inc., a global IC design leader, and ASIX Electronics Corp., a leading USB Ethernet IC provider, have collaborated to launch an innovative solution based on MediaTek's Genio 510 IoT platform. This solution integrates ASIX AX88179B USB 3.2 Gen1 Gigabit Ethernet Controller and its driver into the Genio 510 platform development kit, successfully delivering a high-performance, fanless edge AIoT development platform with multiple Ethernet ports. This collaboration enhances the scalability and redundancy capabilities of the devices. James Chan, General Manager of ASIX Electronics Corp., stated, "By integrating the AX88179B USB 3.2 Gigabit Ethernet Controller with MediaTek's Genio 510 IoT platform's powerful edge AI computing capabilities, this solution delivers a high-performance multi-port AIoT networking solution. ASIX USB Ethernet controllers can be widely applied to various smart IoT and mobile networking devices equipped with USB interfaces, enabling seamless, high-speed, stable, and convenient wired network connectivity.” “With faster and more efficient AI computing capabilities, our Genio chipset portfolio caters to the complex, high-speed edge computing demands of applications such as smart homes, smart retail, and industrial automation,” said CK Wang, General Manager of the IoT Business Group at MediaTek. “MediaTek's Genio-powered IoT development kit integrates ASIX’s USB Ethernet controllers, not only addressing the industry's need for high-performance multi-port network expansion but also accelerating customers' product time-to-market.” The MediaTek Genio 510 IoT platform features a six-core CPU, an Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, and an NPU designed for edge AI computing. This platform integrates a built-in HEVC encoding acceleration engine for efficiently handling FHD video encoding, complemented by robust edge AI computing power, advanced multimedia image processing, and multitasking operating systems. Designed for fanless enclosures and low-power smart IoT devices, it is well-suited for edge AI systems, industrial automation, smart homes, and interactive retail solutions. By integrating ASIX AX88179B USB 3.2 Gigabit Ethernet Controller, the Genio 510 platform seamlessly expands multi-port Gigabit Ethernet connectivity via USB, delivering a high-speed and stable wired network experience. The AX88179B USB 3.2 to Gigabit Ethernet Controller is a compact, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution, featuring built-in drivers for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, Chrome OS, and Nintendo Switch, enabling seamless driverless plug-and-play functionality. Moreover, precise time synchronization is essential in AIoT applications such as smart homes, factories, cities, and transportation systems. AX88179B supports advanced IEEE 1588v2 and 802.1AS Precision Time Protocol (PTP), delivering a stable and efficient USB-based time synchronization solution. Following the successful launch of the AX88279 USB 3.2 to 2.5G Ethernet Controller in 2023, ASIX is set to introduce the AX88279A in Q3 2025. This next-generation controller supports driverless installation, plug-and-play functionality and PTP technology, while also incorporating the latest Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) standards, including IEEE 802.1Qav, 802.1Qbv, 802.3br, and 802.1Qbu, making it ideal for industrial IoT (IIoT) applications. ASIX will continue collaborating with MediaTek to integrate the AX88279A USB 3.2 to 2.5G Ethernet Controller into the latest MediaTek Genio IoT SoC platform, further enhancing multi-port 2.5G Ethernet connectivity and precise time synchronization capabilities. This partnership aims to drive continuous innovation in AIoT and industrial IoT applications. For the latest ASIX products information, please visit ASIX’s website at www.asix.com.tw or contact ASIX sales team via email at sales@asix.com.tw ### About ASIX Electronics Corporation ASIX Electronics Corporation is a leading IC design company for Industrial/Embedded networking and connectivity solutions. ASIX was founded in May 1995 in Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan, and has been listed on Taiwan OTC Stock Exchange (TAIEX code 3169) since November 2009. ASIX products include Industrial Ethernet ICs, USB Ethernet ICs, Embedded Ethernet ICs, Interface ICs, UART Transceivers and Microcontrollers/USB KVM Switch SoC. ASIX has been certified as an ISO 9001 and 14001 suppliers. This achievement represents our continuing commitment to maintain a world-class quality system. For more information, please visit ASIX’s website at www.asix.com.tw #ASIX #AX88179B #USBEthernet #MediaTek #Genio #IoT
亞信電子與聯發科技合作具備多埠乙太網路的物聯網開發平台 [台灣新竹訊, 2025年5月19日] 智慧物聯網（AIoT）融合了人工智慧與物聯網技術，透過邊緣AI的即時數據分析及設備智慧連網能力，加速智慧物聯網創新應用的蓬勃發展。因應AIoT產業對多網路埠的應用需求，全球半導體公司【聯發科技】（MediaTek）與USB乙太網路晶片廠商【亞信電子】（ASIX Electronics Corporation）宣布合作推出基於聯發科技Genio 510物聯網平台的創新解決方案，將亞信電子AX88179B USB轉Gigabit乙太網路晶片及其驅動程式整合至Genio 510平台開發套件中，成功打造出一款具備多埠乙太網口的高效能無風扇邊緣 AI 物聯網開發平台。此合作成果提升了設備的擴展性與備援能力。 亞信電子總經理詹勇達表示：「結合AX88179B USB 3.2 Gigabit 乙太網路晶片與聯發科技 Genio 510物聯網平台強大的邊緣 AI 運算能力，提供一個高性能的多網路埠AIoT解決方案。亞信電子的 USB 乙太網路晶片可廣泛應用於各類具備USB介面的智慧物聯網與行動聯網設備，輕鬆實現高速、穩定且便利的有線連網功能。」 聯發科技物聯網事業部總經理王鎮國表示，鑑於物聯網產業的需求細分化趨勢，聯發科技推出適用於邊緣AI設備的Genio物聯網平台解決方案，以更快、更高效的AI運算處理，滿足如智慧家庭、智慧零售和工業應用等複雜、高速的邊緣運算需求。此次，聯發科技物聯網開發套件結合亞信電子 USB 乙太網路晶片，滿足了物聯網產業對於高效多埠網路擴展的需求，有效加速客戶產品上市時程，聯發科技也將透過全新Genio系列與亞信電子USB乙太網路晶片方案的結合，協助客戶開發更多創新物聯網解決方案。 聯發科技Genio 510物聯網平台採用先進的6奈米製程，內建六核心CPU、Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU，並搭載專為邊緣AI運算設計的NPU。此平台也整合了一個內建的 HEVC 編碼加速引擎，可有效處理FHD影片編碼，並提供強大的邊緣 AI 運算能力、先進的多媒體影像處理功能以及多工操作系統。它專為無風扇外殼和低功耗智慧物聯網產品設計，適用於邊緣AI系統、工業自動化、智慧家庭和互動式零售等物聯網應用。整合亞信電子AX88179B晶片，Genio 510平台成功透過USB介面實現多埠Gigabit乙太網路的擴展，提供高速且穩定的有線網路連接體驗。 AX88179B USB 3.2 Gen1轉Gigabit乙太網路晶片具備簡潔設計、高性價比與便捷使用的特性，支援macOS、Windows、Linux、Android、Chrome OS及Nintendo Switch等多種作業系統，其內建驅動程式可輕鬆實現免驅動（Driverless）與隨插即用（Plug and Play）功能，提升使用便利性。此外，在智慧家庭、智慧工廠、智慧城市與智慧交通等物聯網應用場景中，精確時間同步至關重要。AX88179B支援IEEE 1588v2與802.1AS精確時間協議（PTP）進階功能，透過USB介面即可實現高效穩定的精確時間同步解決方案。 亞信電子繼2023年推出AX88279 USB 3.2 轉 2.5G 乙太網路晶片後，即將於今年第三季推出新一代 AX88279A網路晶片。該晶片不僅支援免驅動、隨插即用及精確時間同步技術，同時新增最新的時間敏感網路（TSN）技術，包括 IEEE 802.1Qav、802.1Qbv、802.3br 及 802.1Qbu，可適用於工業物聯網領域。亞信電子將持續與聯發科技攜手合作，將新一代AX88279A USB 3.2轉2.5G乙太網路晶片整合至聯發科技最新Genio物聯網開發平台，進一步提升多網路埠高速傳輸與精確時間同步技術支援，推動智慧物聯網與工業物聯網應用持續創新。如需獲取亞信電子最新產品資訊，歡迎造訪亞信官網: www.asix.com.tw ，或透過電子郵件 sales@asix.com.tw 聯繫亞信業務人員。 ### 關於亞信電子亞信電子股份有限公司成立於1995年，公司設立於台灣新竹科學工業園區，為一專業的工業/嵌入式網路與橋接器相關IC晶片設計廠商，2009年股票正式於櫃買中心掛牌交易（股票代號：3169）。主要產品為工業乙太網路晶片，USB乙太網路晶片，嵌入式乙太網路晶片，串並口I/O橋接器，RS-232/RS-485收發器，網路微控制器/USB KVM單晶片等。本公司已榮獲ISO 9001及14001之國際品質認證，這些成就代表著我們持續堅持國際級品質保證的決心。需要更多產品相關資訊，歡迎訪問亞信官網: www.asix.com.tw #亞信電子 #ASIX #AX88179B #USB乙太網路晶片 #擴展多網路埠 #聯發科技 #MediaTek #Genio #IoT #物聯網
This article aims to introduce how to quickly implement EtherCAT slave products using ASIX’s AX58400 EtherCAT slave reference design kits. With the continuous innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technology, the industrial automation industry is moving towards a smarter and more efficient future. EtherCAT technology has the characteristics of high performance, ultra-low latency, reliability, precise time synchronization and low cost, and has become the mainstream standard in the industrial automation industry today. This article outlines how to use ASIX’s AX58400 EtherCAT Slave Reference Design Kits to quickly implement cost-effective EtherCAT slave products and expedite the process of industrial automation in enterprises. EtherCAT Industrial Ethernet Chip: High Speed, Reliability, and Ultra-Low Latency Utilizing the unique 'processing on the fly' data exchange mechanism, EtherCAT technology fully utilizes Ethernet bandwidth, dramatically reducing data transmission latency to less than 1us, thereby ensuring the real-time and deterministic industrial automation communications. ASIX Electronics has introduced the AX58x00 family EtherCAT slave controllers, including the AX58100, AX58200, and AX58400. These chips have been recognized by the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) and are officially listed in the ETG’s EtherCAT Product Guide. Figure-1. ETG Product Guide - AX58x00 Family EtherCAT Slave Controllers The AX58400 EtherCAT Slave Controller with Dual-Core MCU integrates the STMicroelectronics STM32H755 dual-core microcontroller, featuring 32-bit 480MHz ARM Cortex-M7 and 240MHz ARM Cortex-M4 cores, and incorporates an EtherCAT slave controller equipped with two fast Ethernet PHYs. It supports various communication and control interfaces, including a 10/100M Ethernet MAC with MII/RMII, USB 2.0 OTG, SPI, UART, I2C, JPEG hardware codec, and more. Additionally, it also supports AES/TDES/HASH/HMAC hardware cryptographic accelerators and ROP/PCROP/Anti-tamper security techniques. Figure-2. AX58400 EtherCAT Slave Controller with Dual-Core MCU The AX58400 is interoperable with all EtherCAT systems using standard EtherCAT communication protocols such as CoE, FoE, and VoE. It is suitable for various real-time industrial automation control applications, including motor and motion control, digital I/O control, sensor data acquisition, robotics, EtherCAT to IO-Link gateways, and EtherCAT slave junction modules. Figure-3. AX58400 EtherCAT Slave Typical Applications Easy-to-Use EtherCAT Slave Reference Design Kits ASIX provides various AX58400 EtherCAT slave reference design kits, such as motor control, digital I/O control, and EtherCAT to IO-Link gateway module, to help customers expedite early evaluation and product design timelines. These reference design kits come with comprehensive technical documents and sample source codes, including datasheets, reference schematics, PCB layouts, design guides, and software/firmware source codes. Figure-4. AX58400 EtherCAT Slave Reference Design Kits EtherCAT Products Design Process Overview The AX58400 EtherCAT slave controller integrates the STM32H755 microcontroller, and its motor control reference design kit combines the STMicroelectronics X-NUCLEO-IHM08M1 BLDC motor driver expansion board and the STM32 Motor Control Software Development Kit (MCSDK) for developing motor control applications. Therefore, designers can follow the software and hardware design processes below, utilizing the AX58400 EtherCAT slave motor control reference design kit, along with STM32 development tools (STM32 MC Workbench, STM32CubeMX, STM32CubeIDE, and STM32CubeProgrammer) to rapidly complete the development of AX58400 EtherCAT slave motor control products. ASIX also provides a complete AX58400 EtherCAT slave digital I/O control development kit. Designers can follow these software and hardware design processes to rapidly complete the development of AX58400 EtherCAT slave I/O control products. Additionally, ASIX offers an AX58400 EtherCAT to IO-Link Gateway Module solution, which integrates ASIX's proprietary IO-Link master software stack, and can provide technical services based on customer needs. Ÿ Hardware Design Process Overview The AX58400 EtherCAT slave motor control reference design kit includes reference schematics, PCB layout, and hardware design guidelines. Designers can utility these technical resources to quickly finalize the hardware design of AX58400 motor control products. Additionally, the ASIX technical support team offers free schematic and PCB layout review services to assist customers in smoothly completing the development of AX58400 EtherCAT products. The following outlines the hardware design process for AX58400 EtherCAT slave motor control products: a. Complete the schematic design of your AX58400 device based on the reference schematics and hardware design guidelines. b. Create the PCB layout for your AX58400 board by referring to the PCB layout files and hardware design guidelines of the AX58400 evaluation board. c. If needed, submit your AX58400 schematics and PCB layout files to ASIX technical support for a free review. d. After fabricating the PCB of your new AX58400 device, prepare to verify its hardware functionality. Figure-5. AX58400 EtherCAT Slave Motor Control Reference Design Kit Figure-6. AX58400 Reference Schematic & PCB Layout Ÿ Software Design Process Overview The AX58400 EtherCAT slave motor control reference design kit also includes complete software and firmware source codes, as well as software design guides. Designers can utility these technical resources and tutorial videos to quickly set up the AX58400 development environment, and begin verifying the hardware functionality of the new AX58400 device. If the new AX58400 device is functioning correctly, designers can then begin customizing the source codes based on the product requirements. These source codes include bootloader, application firmware, and TwinCAT PLC applications. The following outlines the software design process for AX58400 EtherCAT slave motor control products: a. Compile the AX58400 bootloader source code using the ARM KEIL MDK uVision 5 development tool, then flash it onto the new AX58400 device with the STM32CubeProgrammer tool. b. Generate the EtherCAT SSC source code using Beckhoff EtherCAT SSC tool; compile the AX58400 EtherCAT slave motor control firmware source code using STM32CubeIDE or ARM KEIL MDK uVision 5 development tools, and then flash the new firmware onto the new AX58400 device with STM32CubeIDE or STM32CubeProgrammer tools. c. Create a new TwinCAT project using the Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 XAE development tool, import and build the AX58400 motor control TwinCAT PLC demo application source code. Run the demo application to flash the EEPROM, and start verifying the motor control functionality of the new AX58400 device. d. After verifying the functionality of the AX58400 device, designers can begin customizing the source codes based on the product requirements. Figure-7. AX58400 Development Tools Figure-8. AX58400 Motor Control TwinCAT PLC Application EtherCAT Products Conformance Test After verifying the functionality of the new EtherCAT slave device, designers can use Beckhoff's EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool (CTT) to perform compatibility testing, ensuring the product design complies with the standard EtherCAT industrial communication protocol. This CTT tool can be installed on a Windows PC as the EtherCAT master, connected to the new EtherCAT slave device under test, and loaded with the ESI file. Upon completing these steps, designers can proceed to compatibility testing. Figure-9. Beckhoff EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool (CTT) Conclusion This article discusses how to quickly develop high-performance EtherCAT slave products using ASIX's AX58400 EtherCAT slave reference design kits. By providing a comprehensive overview of the AX58400 chip features, reference design kits, hardware and software design processes, and product compatibility testing, we aim to provide engineers with a clear product design approach. We look forward to more companies adopting EtherCAT industrial communication technology, thereby fostering the growth of the industrial automation industry.
本文旨在介紹如何使用亞信電子的AX58400 EtherCAT從站雙核微控制器快速導入EtherCAT從站產品設計。 隨著人工智慧（AI）和機器人技術的不斷創新，工業自動化產業正邁向更高智慧和高效能的嶄新未來。EtherCAT 工業通訊技術以其高效能、超低延遲、高可靠性、精確的時間同步和低設置成本，成為現今工業乙太網路通訊技術的主流標準。本文將闡述如何使用亞信電子（ASIX Electronics Corporation）的AX58400 EtherCAT從站雙核微控制器開發套件，快速導入高效能的EtherCAT從站解決方案，加速企業推展智慧工業自動化的進程。 高速可靠且超低延遲的EtherCAT工業乙太網路晶片 EtherCAT工業乙太網路晶片以其獨特的「飛速傳輸」（Processing on the fly）數據交換機制，充分利用工業乙太網路的帶寬資源，大幅降低資料傳輸延遲至小於1微秒（us），從而確保工業自動化通訊的實時性和確定性。亞信電子推出一系列EtherCAT從站控制晶片，包括AX58100控制器、AX58200專用通訊SoC以及AX58400雙核微控制器，這些晶片皆已獲得 EtherCAT 技術協會（ETG）的認可，並正式列入ETG 協會網站的 EtherCAT 產品指南。 （圖一） ETG產品指南 － 亞信AX58x00系列EtherCAT從站控制晶片 AX58400是一款高效能EtherCAT從站雙核微控制器，集成了意法半導體STM32H755雙核微控制器，擁有480MHz ARM Cortex-M7和240MHz Cortex-M4雙內核。其內建的EtherCAT從站控制器配備兩個高速乙太網路PHY。AX58400支援各種通訊/控制周邊介面，包括具有MII/RMII介面的10/100 Mbps高速乙太網路MAC、高速USB 2.0 OTG、LCD-TFT顯示控制器、DCMI數位攝像頭介面、JPEG硬體編解碼器，以及SPI、UART、I2C等，另外還支援AES/TDES/HASH/HMAC硬體加密引擎及ROP/PCROP/防篡改訊息安全技術。 （圖二） AX58400 EtherCAT從站雙核微控制器 AX58400支援CoE、FoE、VoE等各種標準的EtherCAT通訊協定，適用於各種實時工業自動化控制應用，包括馬達與運動控制、數位/類比訊號I/O控制、感測器數據採集、機器人轉軸控制、EtherCAT轉IO-Link閘道器和EtherCAT Junction從站模組等。 （圖三） AX58400 EtherCAT從站典型產品應用 簡便的EtherCAT從站開發套件 亞信電子提供多款AX58400 EtherCAT從站開發套件，包括馬達運動控制、數位/類比I/O控制以及EtherCAT轉IO-Link閘道器模組，幫助客戶加速前期評估及產品設計開發時程。這些開發套件內含詳細的產品設計資料與參考源代碼，包括產品數據手冊、電路圖、電路板佈線圖、軟硬體設計指南及軟韌體源代碼。 （圖四） AX58400 EtherCAT從站開發套件 EtherCAT產品設計流程簡介 AX58400 EtherCAT從站雙核微控制器內建STM32H755雙核微控制器，並在馬達控制參考設計中結合了意法半導體的X-NUCLEO-IHM08M1 BLDC馬達驅動擴展板及STM32馬達控制軟體開發套件（MCSDK）來進行產品應用開發。因此，設計人員可以遵循以下軟硬體設計流程，使用亞信電子提供的AX58400 EtherCAT從站馬達控制開發套件，並搭配STM32開發工具（STM32 MC Workbench、STM32CubeMX、STM32CubeIDE和STM32CubeProgrammer），來完成AX58400馬達控制產品的設計開發。 亞信電子也提供完整的AX58400 EtherCAT從站數位I/O控制開發套件，設計人員可依據此軟硬體設計流程，快速完成AX58400 EtherCAT從站I/O控制產品的開發設計。此外，亞信還提供整合了亞信自主研發IO-Link主站軟體協議棧的AX58400 EtherCAT 轉 IO-Link閘道器解決方案，可根據客戶需求提供相關技術支援服務。 Ÿ 硬體設計流程概述 亞信電子提供的AX58400 EtherCAT從站馬達控制開發套件包含完整的參考電路圖、PCB佈線圖和硬體設計指南。設計人員可以依據這些資料，迅速完成EtherCAT從站產品的硬體設計。此外，亞信電子的技術服務團隊還提供免費的電路圖和PCB佈線圖檢查服務，以協助客戶順利完成AX58400產品的硬體設計。AX58400 EtherCAT從站馬達控制產品的硬體設計流程如下， a. 根據AX58400 EtherCAT從站馬達控制開發板的電路圖和硬體設計指南，完成AX58400設備的電路圖設計。 b. 參考AX58400 EtherCAT從站馬達控制開發板PCB佈線圖與硬體設計指南，進行AX58400設備的PCB佈線圖設計。 c. 可將新設計的AX58400設備電路圖與PCB佈線圖提交給亞信電子技術服務團隊進行檢查。 d. 進行AX58400設備的PCB板製作後，即可開始準備驗證新AX58400設備的硬體功能。 （圖五） AX58400 EtherCAT從站馬達控制參考設計 （圖六） AX58400硬體設計參考電路圖&PCB佈線圖 Ÿ 軟體設計流程概述 AX58400 EtherCAT從站馬達控制開發套件除了硬體設計參考資料外，還提供完整的軟韌體參考源代碼和軟體設計指南。設計人員可參考這些源代碼、設計指南及教學影片，快速架設AX58400開發環境。新的AX58400硬體設備製作完成後，即可在此環境中驗證功能，並根據產品應用需求修改和測試軟韌體源代碼。這些源代碼包括Bootloader、產品應用韌體和TwinCAT PLC應用程式。以下是AX58400 EtherCAT從站馬達控制產品的軟體設計流程， a. 使用ARM KEIL MDK uVision 5開發工具編譯AX58400 Bootloader源代碼，然後通過STM32CubeProgrammer工具將其燒錄到AX58400硬體設備中。 b. 使用EtherCAT SSC工具生成EtherCAT SSC源代碼；通過STM32CubeIDE或ARM KEIL MDK uVision 5開發工具編譯AX58400 EtherCAT從站馬達控制韌體源代碼，再使用STM32CubeIDE或STM32CubeProgrammer工具將新編譯的韌體燒錄到AX58400硬體設備中。 c. 使用倍福（Beckhoff）TwinCAT 3 XAE開發工具創建一個新專案，載入並編譯AX58400 EtherCAT從站馬達控制TwinCAT PLC應用程式源代碼，執行該應用程式燒錄EEPROM，並開始驗證AX58400硬體設備功能。 d. 通過AX58400硬體設備功能驗證後，即可開始根據產品需求進行軟韌體源代碼的修改與測試。 （圖七） AX58400 EtherCAT從站開發工具 （圖八） AX58400馬達控制TwinCAT PLC應用程式 EtherCAT產品相容性測試 在完成新的EtherCAT從站設備功能驗證後，可以使用倍福的EtherCAT一致性測試工具（CTT）進行相容性測試，以確保產品設計符合標準的EtherCAT工業通訊協定。此CTT工具可以安裝在Windows電腦上當作EtherCAT主站，連接待測的EtherCAT從站設備並載入ESI檔，即可開始進行相容性測試。 （圖九） 倍福EtherCAT一致性測試工具 (CTT) 結論 本文探討了如何使用亞信電子的AX58400 EtherCAT從站雙核微控制器開發套件，快速實現高效能EtherCAT從站產品的設計。透過詳細介紹AX58400的晶片特性、開發套件、硬體與軟體設計流程及產品相容性測試，我們希望能為工程師們提供清晰的產品設計思路，並期待未來有更多企業採用EtherCAT工業通訊技術，共同推動智慧工業自動化產業的蓬勃發展。
亞信電子即將於IAS 2024展示最新的亞信IO-Link主站/設備軟體協議棧、整合亞信IO-Link主站軟體協議棧的AX58400 EtherCAT轉IO-Link閘道器，以及AXM57104A TSN PCIe超高速乙太網路卡解決方案。 [台灣新竹訊, 2024年9月18日] 亞信電子（ASIX Electronics Corporation）致力於研發最新的工業乙太網路晶片技術解決方案，包括亞信自主研發的IO-Link主站/設備軟體協議棧、EtherCAT從站微控制器，以及時間敏感網路（TSN）網路卡等，為企業提供實現智慧工廠自動化的最佳解決方案。為展示其在最新工業乙太網路技術的研發成果，亞信電子將於上海「第24屆中國國際工業博覽會－工業自動化展（IAS 2024）」展示其新的亞信IO-Link主站/設備軟體協議棧、整合亞信IO-Link主站軟體協議棧的AX58400 EtherCAT轉IO-Link閘道器，以及AXM57104A TSN PCIe超高速乙太網路卡解決方案。 工業乙太網路晶片技術在智慧製造領域的工業通訊中扮演著關鍵角色。透過最新的TSN、EtherCAT和IO-Link工業通訊技術，工業乙太網路能夠實現精確的時間同步和高效可靠的數據交換，以提升工廠生產效率和產品品質。同時，可支援即時遠程監控與診斷，以減少停機時間和設備維護成本。 亞信電子將於此展覽中展出「亞信IO-Link主站&設備軟體協議棧解決方案」，該方案展示整合亞信IO-Link主站軟體協議棧的AX58400 EtherCAT轉IO-Link閘道器，以及亞信IO-Link設備軟體協議棧解決方案。AX58400 EtherCAT轉IO-Link閘道器最多可串接16個IO-Link閘道器，每個閘道器可連接8個IO-Link設備。亞信IO-Link設備軟體協議棧基於亞信電子AXM-IOLS IO-Link設備評估板開發，可支援透過IO-Link介面進行線上韌體更新的功能。該評估板搭載意法半導體STM32F469AI微控制器和L6362A IO-Link設備收發器，內建各種IO-Link設備感測器，如ToF飛行時間測距感測器等。客戶可透過此評估板快速測試亞信IO-Link設備軟體協議棧的基本功能，適用於各種IO-Link智慧型裝置產品，包括IO-Link感測器、IO-Link致動器、IO-Link集線器和IO-Link閥島等。 亞信電子將同時展出「亞信電子最新TSN & EtherCAT與IO-Link技術整體解決方案」，展示如何將實時性的營運技術（OT）及非實時性的資訊技術（IT）融合於同一網路，從而創造一個高效率且靈活的智慧工廠生產環境。該方案利用AXM57104A TSN IEEE 802.1Qbv時間感知整形器功能，在TSN網路中為AX58400 EtherCAT轉IO-Link閘道器分配了三個專用的頻寬時間片，以確保EtherCAT工業通訊的實時性與確定性不受其它網路流量干擾。AXM57104A TSN網路卡支援符合IEEE標準的各種時間敏感網路（TSN）進階功能，包括IEEE 802.1AS-Rev/AS-2020、1588V2（PTP）、802.1Qav、802.3br & 802.1Qbu、802.1Qbv、802.1Qci與802.1CB等。 亞信電子誠摯邀請您於2024年9月24日至9月27日蒞臨上海國家會展中心，參加「第24屆中國國際工業博覽會 ─ 工業自動化展（IAS 2024）」。亞信技術人員將在現場為您介紹「亞信最新工業乙太網路技術解決方案」，包括亞信IO-Link主站/設備軟體協議棧、EtherCAT與TSN等工業自動化通訊關鍵技術。誠摯邀請您蒞臨亞信電子攤位（攤位號碼: 6.1H-A018），一起探索工業自動化和工業乙太網路的嶄新未來！ ### 關於亞信電子亞信電子成立於1995年，公司設立於台灣新竹科學工業園區，為一專業的工業/嵌入式網路與橋接器相關IC晶片設計廠商，2009年股票正式於櫃買中心掛牌交易（股票代號：3169）。主要產品為工業乙太網路晶片，超高速USB乙太網路晶片，嵌入式乙太網路晶片，串並口I/O橋接器，RS-232/RS-485收發器，網路微控制器/USB KVM單晶片等。本公司已榮獲ISO 9001及14001的國際品質認證，這些殊榮彰顯了亞信對全球品質標準的堅持和承諾。如需更多亞信產品資訊，請訪問亞信電子官方網站https://www.asix.com.tw/，或通過電子郵件聯繫亞信業務人員sales@asix.com.tw。
ASIX Electronics is set to showcase its latest ASIX IO-Link Master & Device Software Stacks, AX58400 EtherCAT to IO-Link Gateway integrated with ASIX IO-Link Master Software Stack, and AXM57104A TSN PCIe NIC solutions at IAS 2024 in Shanghai. HSINCHU, Taiwan – Sep. 18th, 2024 – ASIX Electronics Corporation (TWSE:3169) is actively committed to the development of the latest industrial Ethernet technology solutions, including ASIX’s proprietary IO-Link master and device software stacks, EtherCAT slave microcontrollers, and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) NIC. ASIX will showcase its latest ASIX IO-Link Master & Device Software Stacks, AX58400 EtherCAT to IO-Link Gateway integrated with ASIX IO-Link Master Software Stack, and AXM57104A TSN PCIe Gigabit Ethernet NIC solutions at the 24th China International Industry Fair (CIIF) - Industrial Automation Show (IAS 2024) in Shanghai. Utilizing TSN, EtherCAT, and IO-Link technologies, industrial Ethernet can ensure precise time synchronization and deterministic real-time communication, improving factory production efficiency and product quality. Furthermore, it enables real-time remote monitoring and diagnostics, minimizing downtime and maintenance expenses. At this exhibition, ASIX will showcase the “ASIX IO-Link Master & Device Software Stacks Solutions” featuring the AX58400 EtherCAT to IO-Link Gateway integrated with ASIX’s IO-Link master software protocol stack, and ASIX’s IO-Link device software protocol stack solutions. The AX58400 EtherCAT to IO-Link Gateway solution incorporates ASIX's proprietary IO-Link master software stack, designed to support up to 16 IO-Link gateways, each with the capability to manage up to 8 IO-Link devices. The ASIX IO-Link device software protocol stack is developed based on the ASIX AXM-IOLS IO-Link device evaluation board, and supports on-line firmware upgrade via IO-Link interface. This evaluation board features the STMicroelectronics STM32F469AI microcontroller and L6362A IO-Link device transceiver, with built-in various IO-Link device sensors, such as ToF (Time of Flight) distance sensors. Customers can quickly test the basic functions of the ASIX IO-Link device software protocol stack using this evaluation board, suitable for various IO-Link smart device products, including IO-Link sensors, IO-Link actuators, IO-Link hubs, and IO-Link valve islands. ASIX will also showcase its latest “AXM57104A TSN NIC & AX58400 EtherCAT to IO-Link Gateway over TSN Total Solution”, demonstrating how to integrate real-time Operational Technology (OT) and non-real-time Information Technology (IT) on the same network, creating a highly efficient and flexible smart factory production environment. This solution utilizes the AXM57104A TSN 802.1Qbv Time-Aware Shaper function to allocate three dedicated bandwidth time slices for the AX58400 EtherCAT to IO-Link gateway within the TSN network, ensuring the real-time and deterministic nature of EtherCAT industrial communication without interference from other network traffic. The AXM57104A supports enhanced TSN functions, compliant to IEEE 802.1AS-Rev/AS-2020, 1588V2, 802.1Qav, 802.3br & 802.1Qbu, 802.1Qbv, 802.1Qci and 802.1CB. You are cordially invited to visit the ASIX exhibition booth (Booth No. 6.1H-A018) at the "24th China International Industry Fair (CIIF) - Industrial Automation Show (IAS 2024)" from September 24th to September 27th, 2024, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai. ASIX expert team will introduce “ASIX Latest Industrial Ethernet Technologies Solutions”, including ASIX IO-Link Master/Device Stacks, EtherCAT and TSN industrial communication technologies. Look forward to meeting you at the ASIX booth to explore the new future of industrial automation and industrial Ethernet together!
台灣產經新聞網
請先登入後才能發佈新聞。
還不是會員嗎？立即 加入台灣產經新聞網會員 ，使用免費新聞發佈服務。 （服務項目） （投稿規範）
