Lesson plan

EtherCAT

EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is an Ethernet-based fieldbus system developed by Beckhoff Automation. The protocol is standardized in IEC 61158 and is suitable for both hard and soft real-time computing requirements in automation technology. The goal during development of EtherCAT was to apply Ethernet for automation applications requiring short data update times (also called cycle times; ≤ 100 μs) with low communication jitter (for precise synchronization purposes; ≤ 1 μs) and reduced hardware costs. Typical application fields for EtherCAT are machine controls. This includes semiconductor tools, metal forming, packaging, injection molding, assembly systems, printing machines, and robotics. Alternative technologies for networking in the industrial environment include EtherNet/IP, Profinet and Profibus.

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Article summary

EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is an Ethernet-based fieldbus system developed by Beckhoff Automation. The protocol is standardized in IEC 61158 and is suitable for both hard and soft real-time computing requirements in automation technology. The goal during development of EtherCAT was to apply Ethernet for automation applications requiring short data update times (also called cycle times; ≤ 100 μs) with low communication jitter (for precise synchronization purposes; ≤ 1 μs) and reduced hardware costs. Typical application fields for EtherCAT are machine controls. This includes semiconductor tools, metal forming, packaging, injection molding, assembly systems, printing machines, and robotics. Alternative technologies for networking in the industrial environment include EtherNet/IP, Profinet and Profibus.

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  1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
  2. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
  3. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

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