EtherCAT

EtherCAT stands for "Ethernet for Control Automation Technology" and is an Ethernet-based real-time fieldbus protocol. Originally EtherCAT was developed by Beckhoff Automation for automation technology applications. Since 2003 the EtherCAT Technology Group has been managing the advancement of the protocol which also became an official IEC standard in 2005.

Its real-time capability and the high transmission rate of up to 100 Mbit/s enables EtherCAT to operate multiple nodes synchronously and process large quantities of data in a short time.

EtherCAT uses the CANopen protocol for transfer (CoE = CAN application protocol over EtherCAT). This way the advantages of the standardized CANopen protocol (CiA) can be combined with the high performance of the Ethernet interface.

Advantages:

• Very high communication speeds
• Synchronization of multiple units possible
• Real-time capable
• Standardized protocol (CiA)

Compatible masters:
Based on the existing standards and the interoperability tests we carried out with various manufacturers, we expect that our controllers can be combined with all standard-compliant masters.

Nanotec is a "Preferred Drives Company" of Trio Motion Technology Ltd, an English manufacturer of high-performance drive solutions, and recommends the Trio Motion Technology master for its EtherCAT-capable controllers and integrated motors.

Nanotec offers motor controllers as well as brushless DC motors and stepper motors with integrated controller and EtherCAT interface.