FeaturesΒΆ

ETHERCAT is an open standard for the realization of Industrial ETHERNET based automation applications and is highly suitable for time critical applications. Its protocol minimizes overhead and increase share of user data. Further, it provides mechanism to synchronize inputs and outputs.

ETHERCAT is a cyclic communication. Only for parameterization, diagnosis and alarms-messages of intelligent field devices, non-cyclic messages will be used.

Standardization: ETHERCAT

  • IEC 61131-3: PLC Standardization
  • IEC 61158: ETHERCAT Standardization
  • IEC 11801: Wire and connection elements for ETHERNET

Note

ETHERCAT is registered trademark and patented technology, licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH, Germany

Terms, Definitions, Abbreviations

ETHERCAT

CAT 5 ETHERNET cable for 100 MHz data size
CAT 5e ETHERNET cable for 100 MHz data size for Gigabit-ETHERNET
CAT 6 ETHERNET cable for 250 MHz data size
CAT 7 ETHERNET cable for 600 MHz data size
CAT 8 ETHERNET cable for 1 GBit data size
CoE CAN over ETHERCAT
DC Distributed Clock
DDF Device Description File in XML format
ETG ETHERCAT Technology Group
ETHERCAT ETHERNET for Control Automation Technology
FMMU Fieldbus Memory Management Unit
NRT Non Real-Time
RT Real-Time
WKC Working Counter