Software Installation

• Install Code Composer Studio: CCS.
• Install Arm® code generation tools: ARM-CGT-CLANG.
• Install a System Configuration Tool: sysconfig.
• Install a Industrial Communications SDK 2026.00.XX for AM243x that includes EtherCAT SubDevice demos and device description (ESI) files.

‍Tool version details can be found at Tools Compiler and Other Open Source SW Module Information.

Development Board

TMDS243EVM - AM243x evaluation module Sitara™ processors

Board details: TMDS243EVM

TMDS243EVM - AM243x evaluation module Sitara™ processors

LP-AM243 - AM243x general purpose LaunchPad™ development kit for Arm®-based MCU

Board details: LP-AM243

LP-AM243 - AM243x general purpose LaunchPad™ development kit for Arm®-based MCU

Setup Development Board

For more information, please refer EVM Setup Page.

TMDS243EVM - AM243x evaluation module Sitara™ processors

1. Power up the TMDS243EVM with the appropriate power supply according to the specifications in the TMDS243EVM user's guide.
   • Connect 12V/5A(max) DC power supply to the DC Barrel Jack connector on TMDS243EVM.
     
2. Connect the TMDS243EVM to your PC using two micro-USB cables.
   • A micro-USB cable for the JTAG interface (XDS110) and another micro-USB cable for the UART console.
     
3. Connect an ethernet cable from your PC running TwinCAT to EtherCAT IN/Port0 of TMDS243EVM board.
   
   

   TMDS243EVM EtherCAT Ports
   
   

LP-AM243 - AM243x general purpose LaunchPad™ development kit for Arm®-based MCU

1. Power up the LP-AM243 with the appropriate power supply according to the specifications in the LP-AM243 user's guide.
   • Connect 5V/3A DC power supply to the USB Type-C connector on LP-AM243.
     

     LP-AM243 USB Type-C Connector
     
     
2. Connect the LP-AM243 to your PC using a micro-USB cable.
   • A micro-USB cable for both JTAG interface (XDS110) and UART console.
     

     LP-AM243 USB Connector
     
     
3. Connect an ethernet cable from your PC running TwinCAT to EtherCAT IN/Port0 of LP-AM243 board.
   
   

   LP-AM243 EtherCAT Ports
   
   

Note

If you need to connect multiple EtherCAT SubDevices in a chain, please connect from EtherCAT OUT/Port1 to EtherCAT IN/Port0 of next EtherCAT SubDevice. For the last EtherCAT SubDevice in a chain, EtherCAT OUT/Port1 will be left open.

‍⚠️ If you connect first EtherCAT SubDevice OUT port to OUT port of next EtherCAT SubDevice instead of connecting to IN port, then there might be warning observed in TwinCAT in DC mode.

EtherCAT SubDevice Network

Warning in TwinCAT in DC Mode

Steps to Run the Example

• To build projects from ind_comms_sdk_am243x_2026_00_XX in CCS, import the EtherCAT SubDevice Demo CCS project for AM243x and build it using the CCS project menu, refer Using SDK with CCS Projects.
• When using makefiles to build, note the required combination and build using make command, refer Using SDK with Makefiles.
• Launch CCS, load and run the built example binaries, refer CCS Launch, Load and Run.