CANopen stack vs. FSoE stack: advantages and disadvantages
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In the world of embedded systems and critical industrial applications, the choice of communication protocol is crucial to ensure reliability, performance, and safety.
At ISIT, we have designed and developed CANopen Safety Certifiable and FSoE (FailSafe over EtherCAT) communication stacks to meet the specific needs of our clients.
This article explores the differences between these two solutions, as well as their advantages and disadvantages depending on the applications.
CANopen and FSoE: definitions
- CANopen is a protocol based on the CAN bus (Controller Area Network), optimized for embedded and industrial applications. It is widely used in automation, medical, energy, and transportation sectors.
- FSoE (FailSafe over EtherCAT) is an extension of the EtherCAT protocol, specifically designed for critical systems requiring functional safety features (up to SIL3 according to IEC 61508).
ISIT CANopen Stack: Advantages and Disadvantages
ISIT CANopen Stack: Advantages
- Robustness and Reliability: CANopen relies on the CAN bus, known for its resilience in harsh industrial environments.
- Low Implementation Cost: Ideal for systems requiring real-time communication with a limited budget.
- Interoperability: Standardized by CiA (CAN in Automation), CANopen allows compatibility between different devices and vendors.
- Low Power Consumption: Suitable for embedded systems with high energy constraints (e.g., medical applications, mobility).
- Multiple Versions Available:
- Standard
- Safety Certifiable
ISIT CANopen Stack: Disadvantages
- Limited Bandwidth: With a maximum speed of 1 Mbit/s, CANopen may not be sufficient for data-intensive applications.
- Lack of Native Functional Safety: CANopen does not directly manage safety-critical communications, which may require additional solutions (e.g., Safety over CAN).
- Bus Topology: Less flexible than modern Ethernet networks for scalability.
ISIT FSoE Stack: Advantages and Disadvantages
ISIT FSoE Stack: Advantages
- Integrated Functional Safety: Compliant with SIL3/PL e standards, FSoE ensures secure data exchanges for critical systems (e.g., robotics, industrial machines, transportation). Pre-certified SIL 3 according to architecture and certifiable to other standards (IEC62304, DO178, etc.).
- Based on EtherCAT: Benefits from the exceptional performance of this deterministic Ethernet protocol, with cycle times in the microsecond range.
- Scalable & Modular: Easily integrates into complex architectures and adapts to modern industrial networks.
- Safety Communication on EtherCAT Network: Adaptable to most EtherCAT Master and Slave stacks.
- Master or Slave Version Available.
ISIT FSoE Stack: Disadvantages
- Implementation: FSoE requires an EtherCAT environment and compatible devices, which may complicate integration into an existing system based on CANopen.
- Cost: Hardware and certification requirements make FSoE more expensive than CANopen for applications not requiring functional safety.
- Dependence on EtherCAT: FSoE is not a standalone protocol and must be integrated into an EtherCAT network, limiting its application to compatible infrastructures.
Which Stack Should You Choose?
The choice between CANopen and FSoE heavily depends on the context of use:
Conclusion
Thanks to our expertise, training, and CANopen and FSoE solutions, ISIT helps industries choose and integrate the protocols that best meet their needs. Contact us to learn more about our stacks and benefit from our technical support!
- For compact, robust, and cost-effective systems, CANopen remains a preferred solution, especially in industrial automation, mobility, and medical fields.
- For applications requiring advanced functional safety and high real-time performance, the FSoE stack developed by ISIT offers unmatched guarantees.
Conclusion
Thanks to our expertise, training, and CANopen and FSoE solutions, ISIT helps industries choose and integrate the protocols that best meet their needs. Contact us to learn more about our stacks and benefit from our technical support!
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