EtherCAT (Ethernet Control Automation Technology) is the Ethernet solution for

industrial automation, characterized by outstanding performance and particularly

simple handling. EtherCAT enables the Ethernet star topology to be replaced with

a simple line structure. Optionally, EtherCAT may also be wired in the “classic”

way using switches, in order to integrate further Ethernet devices. The master

requires no special plug-in card and can be implemented on any existing Ethernet

controller using a very simple interface. EtherCAT is therefore also well suited to

small and medium control applications, where it will also open up new areas of

application for distributed I/Os.

For EtherCAT a separate I/O system in protection class IP 20 is available in the 

form of EtherCAT Terminals. In contrast to Bus Terminals, where the fieldbus

signal is implemented within the Bus Coupler on the internal, fieldbus-independent

terminal bus, the EtherCAT protocol remains fully intact down to the individual terminal.

The EtherCAT Coupler supports the operation of all Bus Terminals. As far as the

user is concerned, handling of the analog inputs/outputs is not different to other

series. The information is available in the process image of the controller for

processing in the form of a byte array.