Frame Handler

The Frame Handler is a critical sub-module of the EtherCAT Protocol Processor responsible for handling the low-level communication frames. It manages the physical layer interface, performs frame validation, extracts and inserts data into the EtherCAT telegram structure, and ensures proper timing and synchronization according to the EtherCAT protocol specifications. It serves as the bridge between the network physical layer and the higher-level protocol processing logic.

The Frame Handler operates by continuously monitoring the network interface for incoming EtherCAT frames. Upon detection, it validates the frame structure and checks for errors. Valid frames are then parsed to extract the EtherCAT telegram data, which is passed to the protocol processor for command execution. For outgoing data, it receives processed results from the protocol processor, formats them into the correct EtherCAT frame structure, adds necessary headers and checksums, and transmits them onto the network with precise timing to maintain the deterministic real-time communication characteristic of EtherCAT.