What is Beckhoff EtherCAT?
EtherCAT, the Industrial Ethernet technology invented by Beckhoff, makes machines and systems faster, simpler and more cost-effective. This means that current devices can be used in existing systems without any problems and without having to consider different versions.
What is the difference between Ethernet and EtherCAT?
Ethernet, as stated previously, is able to route data through many different nodes, in a master/slave configuration, sending and receiving based on requests. With EtherCAT, the master sends data, possibly only a single frame for the entire node network that will pass through each node.
What is an EtherCAT cable?
EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is an Ethernet-based fieldbus system invented by Beckhoff Automation. The protocol is standardized in IEC 61158 and is suitable for both hard and soft real-time computing requirements in automation technology.
How many wires is EtherCAT?
4 wires
Cables and connectors EtherCAT uses 4 wires for signal transfer. EtherCAT uses RJ45 connectors. The pin assignment is compatible with the Ethernet standard (ISO/IEC 8802-3). Due to automatic cable detection (auto-crossing) symmetric (1:1) or cross-over cables can be used between EtherCAT devices from Beckhoff.
Does EtherCAT require special hardware?
What do we need? For a master device, you do not need a special hardware. Any Ethernet MAC will do. Since EtherCAT is very easy on resources, you do not need a dedicated communication processor, either.
Can you use an Ethernet switch for EtherCAT?
The EL6601 Ethernet switch terminal is simply integrated because it can be installed at any point within an EtherCat node. When using the EL6601, standard Ethernet frames are tunneled through the EtherCat protocol.
Why is EtherCAT faster?
EtherCAT is significantly faster than shown, since several EtherCAT features were not taken into account: EtherCAT can use the same bandwidth for input and output data (full-duplex usage of the frame). EtherCAT can send the next frame before the first one has returned (pipelining of frames).
Does EtherCAT use IP addresses?
EtherCAT, by design, does not use IP addresses. Each device is defined by the order of network wiring. Each slave device has an In and Out port – no managed switches are required. Ring topologies are supported by EtherCAT masters with dual EtherCAT ports when redundant systems are required.
What port does EtherCAT use?
UDP: EtherCAT protocol can be transported in UDP datagrams. The assigned UDP port for EtherCAT is 0x88a4.
Can Beckhoff cables be used with EtherCAT devices?
The pin assignment is compatible with the Ethernet standard (ISO/IEC 8802-3). Due to automatic cable detection (auto-crossing) symmetric (1:1) or cross-over cables can be used between EtherCAT devices from Beckhoff. The following Beckhoff cables are suitable for cabling of EtherCAT systems:
What type of cabling is used in EtherCAT?
EtherCAT uses RJ45 connectors. The pin assignment is compatible with the Ethernet standard (ISO/IEC 8802-3). Due to automatic cable detection (auto-crossing) symmetric (1:1) or cross-over cables can be used between EtherCAT devices from Beckhoff. The following Beckhoff cables are suitable for cabling of EtherCAT systems:
How many wires does EtherCAT use for signal transfer?
EtherCAT uses 4 wires for signal transfer. EtherCAT uses RJ45 connectors. The pin assignment is compatible with the Ethernet standard (ISO/IEC 8802-3). Due to automatic cable detection (auto-crossing) symmetric (1:1) or cross-over cables can be used between EtherCAT devices from Beckhoff.
Is the pin assignment compatible with the Ethernet standard (ISO 8802-3)?
The pin assignment is compatible with the Ethernet standard (ISO/IEC 8802-3). Due to automatic cable detection (auto-crossing) symmetric (1:1) or cross-over cables can be used between EtherCAT devices from Beckhoff.