Microchip adds EtherCAT and TSN to its PolarFire range
· BehindLines newsroom
Microchip announced on 29 October that it was adding EtherCAT and Time-Sensitive Networking, or TSN, capabilities to its PolarFire platform, notably by integrating an EtherCAT block from Beckhoff. According to the manufacturer, the offer targets robot and industrial automation networks that need predictable, interoperable communications. Manufacturer's announcement.
The press release distinguishes two scopes: the Beckhoff EtherCAT block is presented as compatible with PolarFire FPGAs and systems on chip, whereas Microchip's TSN solution is mentioned there only for PolarFire systems on chip. This difference avoids assuming that every announced function is available on every component in the range.
An FPGA is a circuit whose logic functions can be configured. On its product page, Beckhoff explains that its EtherCAT block can be combined with the designer's own functions. The physical interfaces, the exchange memory and several synchronisation functions are configurable. Beckhoff presentation.
In the Beckhoff data sheet consulted on 31 October 2026, licensing terms and the status of the part numbers are listed separately: ET1822 is shown as regular delivery, while ET1820 and ET1821 are offered on request. An announcement of compatibility therefore does not mean that every part number can be obtained on the same terms.
The EtherCAT Technology Group describes a protocol in which devices read and insert their data as a frame passes through. This hardware-based operation aims to make exchanges predictable. The reminder explains why the protocol is of interest; it is not a measurement of the new Microchip products. How the protocol works.
The announcement thus concerns an integration offer aimed at designers. Both suppliers document their own products, but these pages do not provide an independent comparative test of an installed network. The performance and compatibility of a complete machine remain to be verified in its actual configuration.