Beckhoff Real-Time Ethernet System Sets Record With 3,000 Vendor IDs

August 17, 2020

Beckhoff introduced the EtherCAT real-time Ethernet system to the market in 2003 and disclosed its details within the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) the same year. The ultra-fast communication system has taken the automation world by storm ever since, says Thomas Rettig, Senior Manager of Control Systems and Communication Architecture at Beckhoff – a fact that was underscored further when the ETG issued its 3,000th EtherCAT vendor ID in July 2020.

Now with 3,000 officially registered device manufacturers, EtherCAT has by far the broadest base of adoption in the industrial Ethernet market. According to the ETG, the user organization with the second-highest number of registered manufacturers has only about half as many. According to Thomas Rettig, this success is based mainly on the technology itself because it delivers as many advantages to users as it does to the manufacturers of EtherCAT devices: “EtherCAT is the ideal technology for the diverse requirements of controllers as well as peripherals. On the controller side, you want to have as little specialized hardware as possible in order to put existing computers to use, while on the device side you want total hardware integration to save costs and reduce complexity.”

With EtherCAT, all complex and time-critical functions are integrated into the device controller chips, which are available from 12 different semiconductor producers. Simple devices require no microcontroller and therefore no software since some of the chips already come with I/O interfaces built-in. Since the EtherCAT controller is fully software-based, it only needs a conventional Ethernet port, which means that it can be implemented on almost any PC or microcontroller board with no additional hardware. In addition, there is the broad spectrum of available real-time operating systems: about 35 RTOSs are available for EtherCAT controllers.

The “Slave Stack Code” and related software tools has already been downloaded over 11,000 times.

The easy EtherCAT implementation provided by the ETG’s extraordinary ‘ecosystem’ with support from Beckhoff is the second major factor for the system’s success. It ranges from extensive implementation guidelines and the Developer Forum on the organization’s website with almost 7,000 posts about the development support provided by ETG employees. The “Slave Stack Code” and related software tools, which Beckhoff supplies to all ETG members at no charge, has already been downloaded over 11,000 times. And the Conformance Test Tool, which ensures compatibility with the standard and is also a practical development tool, is another important building block of the EtherCAT ecosystem.

Important Links Bar.jpg

https://www.beckhoffautomation.com/

 

Post Views: 403

Related Articles

Save Yourself The Trouble- Always Purchase UL Certified Panels

Save Yourself The Trouble- Always Purchase UL Certified Panels

UCEC are beginning to notice an alarming trend. In the past six weeks, they have had three separate clients contact them for urgent help with panels made overseas or by a different local manufacturer. The problem with the panels? They failed inspection for not meeting National Electric Code(NEC) and UL508A(Industrial Control Panel) Standards.

 

 

 

How Omron’s Partnership with InduSoft Improves SCADA Applications

How Omron’s Partnership with InduSoft Improves SCADA Applications

Supervisory control and data acquisition – abbreviated as “SCADA” – is a control system architecture that combines high-level process management with remote access to peripheral devices like programmable logic controllers (PLCs). SCADA systems allow facilities to control and monitor their machines and processes and collect and analyze data from a central location.

 

 

 

A Great Opportunity, Even for Small Quantities

A Great Opportunity, Even for Small Quantities

A great opportunity for busbar market growth – Busbar systems are a major growth market, with several factors driving ever-increasing demand, for example, the growing importance of electrical energy in all areas, from the direct generation of electrical energy in solar and wind power plants to e-mobility. Digitization itself is a major consumer of energy in the ever more numerous and ever larger data centers. In addition, major economies such as the USA have changed their technical regulations, which means switching from cables to busbars in control cabinets of all kinds.

Choose the Right I/O to Help Reduce Downtime through HART Modules with Premier Integration

Choose the Right I/O to Help Reduce Downtime through HART Modules with Premier Integration

Imagine you can achieve minimal disruption and maximum efficiency for your application. This is possible via the new HART modules with Premier Integration in our FLEX 5000 I/O portfolio. The HART I/O modules with Premier Integration simplify configuration and management of HART devices directly from the Studio 5000 Logix Designer application.

 

 

 

Zeppelin Takes Over MTI Mischtechnik

Zeppelin Takes Over MTI Mischtechnik

At the turn of the year, Zeppelin Systems takes over the owner-managed MTI Mischtechnik, whose shares were up for sale in October 2020 following insolvency proceedings. The portfolio ideally complements the Zeppelin Mixing Technologies division, as the two companies predominantly serve different market segments – both in terms of the focus of the technologies and global coverage.

 

 

 

Network Infrastructure Featured Product Spotlight

PBUS 14 Panduit logo 400

This webinar presented by Beth Lessard and Keith Cordero will be highlighting three Panduit solutions that will optimize network equipment and cabling to ensure that your spaces are efficiently and properly managed to support ever-evolving business needs of today and beyond. Products that will be featured include PanZone TrueEdge Wall Mount Enclsoure, Cable Managers, and Adjustable Depth 4-Post Rack.

REGISTER HERE

Editor’s Pick: Featured Product News

Siemens: SIMOVAC Non-Arc-Resistant and SIMOVAC-AR Arc-Resistant Motor Controllers

The Siemens SIMOVAC medium-voltage non-arc-resistant and SIMOVAC-AR arc-resistant controllers have a modular design incorporating up to two 12SVC400 (400 A) controllers, housed in a freestanding sheet steel enclosure. Each controller is UL 347 class E2, equipped with three current-limiting fuses, a non-load-break isolating switch, and a fixed-mounted vacuum contactor (plug-in type optional for 12SVC400). The enclosure is designed for front access, allowing the equipment to be located with the rear of the equipment close to a non-combustible wall.

Read More

Sponsored Content
Electrify Your Enterprise

Power is vital to production, and well-designed control cabinets are key. Allied Electronics & Automation offers a comprehensive collection of control cabinet solutions including PLCs, HMIs, contactors, miniature circuit breakers, terminal block connectors, DIN-rail power supplies, pushbutton switches, motor starters, overloads, power relays, industrial Ethernet switches and AC drives engineered to keep your operations running safely, reliably and efficiently.

Learn more HERE.

Products for Panel Builders

  • SCHURTER: Green Line – Portfolio Expanded

    SCHURTER: Green Line – Portfolio Expanded

    SCHURTER significantly expands its portfolio of “Green Line” connectors. Because wherever you can reduce your CO₂ footprint without compromising on quality, you really should do so. As with the launch of the first series of Green Line products, SCHURTER remains true to its policy of offering a version with plant-based housings for products that are… Read More…

  • AutomationDirect: Teknokol Eco Series HMI Enclosures and Suspension Arm Systems

    AutomationDirect: Teknokol Eco Series HMI Enclosures and Suspension Arm Systems

    AutomationDirect has added Teknokol Eco series HMI enclosures and suspension arm systems which are designed to work together to provide customized, adjustable HMI panels using a selection of components and cut-to-length arm profiles. These suspension systems allow the HMI to be relocated as needed for better HMI visibility and operator comfort.  The medium-duty TK060 series… Read More…