EtherCAT

EtherCAT is an Ethernet-based fieldbus developed by Beckhoff. This protocol is suitable for both hard

and soft real-time requirements in automation technology. In addition to a ring structure, which becomes

logically necessary because of the summation frame telegram used, the EtherCAT technology also phys

ically supports topologies such as line, tree, star (limited) and combinations of these topologies. B&R’s

X20BC80G3 (expandable bus controller module) and X20HB88G0 (standalone junction base module) are

available for implementing these topologies.

EtherCAT slave devices take the data designated for them from a telegram as it is passing through the

device. Input data is also added to the telegram as it is passing through.

Master systems without FoE (File access over EtherCAT) support require an appropriate configuration tool

to transfer the configuration (optional).

Error codes

The module returns an error code if an error occurs. A complete list of all error codes in PDF format is avail

able in under item “Communication_Error” in section “Communication / Fieldbus systems / Support with

FDT/DTM / Diagnostic functions / Diagnostics on the runtime system / Master diagnostics” in Automation

Help.