EtherCAT

EtherCAT

EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is a real-time Industrial Ethernet fieldbus system developed by Beckhoff Automation, designed to meet the stringent demands of automation technology. Introduced in 2003, EtherCAT focuses on achieving short cycle times (≤ 100 µs), low jitter for accurate synchronization (≤ 1 µs), and cost-effective hardware. It stands out for its unique principle of “processing on the fly,” where real-time data and messages are prioritized over less time-sensitive or heavy-load data. In an EtherCAT network, the standard Ethernet frame is not received, interpreted, and copied at every node; instead, slave devices read data addressed to them as the telegram passes through, enabling efficient and high-speed communication.

In the context of IIoT and IO-Link Wireless, EtherCAT contributes to the industrial communication infrastructure by providing a highly flexible and efficient Ethernet network protocol. The TigoMaster 2TH, an industrial-grade IP67 IO-Link Wireless Master platform, supports EtherCAT along with other Industrial Ethernet protocols, enabling seamless integration with IO-Link Wireless devices. EtherCAT’s ability to operate with temporal determinism and its unique processing approach make it well-suited for industrial controllers to communicate with field devices in a consistent and timely manner. The protocol’s high speed, efficiency, flexibility in topology, and synchronization capabilities make it a valuable component in the implementation of industrial solutions, ensuring maximum bandwidth utilization in industrial networks.

EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology)
Product Brochure Icon

Download Brochure

Download Icon

IO-Link Wireless white paper

Request more info on
EtherCAT

    Loading...