ASIC for Ethernet based real_time communication in DCS

We have developed Ethernet based real-time communication systems called "Vnet/IP" for DCS which is the control system for process automation. This paper describes the features and the technologies of the ASIC which is utilized in the communication interface hardware for Vnet/IP. Vnet/IP has been developed for mission-critical communications. Hence it has real-time feature, high reliability and precise time synchronization capability. At the same time, it is able to deal with standard protocols without influence on mission-critical communications. The communication interface hardware has a host interface and dual redundant network interfaces. The host interface can be chosen PCI-bus or R-bus which is the proprietary internal bus developed for the high reliable redundant controller. Each network interface is a RJ45 connection with 1Gbps maximum in compliance with IEEE802.3.