Firmware compatibility

Beckhoff EtherCAT devices are delivered with the latest available firmware version. Firmware and hardware must be compatible; not every combination ensures compatibility. The overview below shows the hardware versions on which a firmware can be operated.

Note

The newest possible firmware for the respective hardware should be implemented
Beckhoff is not under any obligation to provide customers with free firmware updates for delivered products.

Notice

Risk of damage to the device!

Observe the notes on the firmware update in the EtherCAT System Manual in chapter “Firmware Update”.
If a device is set to BOOTSTRAP mode for firmware update, it may not check whether the new firmware is suitable during download.
This may result in damage to the device! Therefore, always make sure that the firmware is suitable for the hardware version!

CU1521, CU1521-0010, CU1561

The converter firmware cannot be updated.

CU1521-0020

Hardware (HW)	Firmware (FW)	Revision no.	Release date
00	01	CU1521-0020-0000	2023/07
	02	CU1521-0020-0000	2025/03
	03	CU1521-0020-0000	2025/05
	04	CU1521-0020-0001	2025/08
02	06	CU1521-0020-0002	2026/05

	Firmware-Update of CU1521-0020 HW00-01: The converter can be updated via .rpd firmware file. HW02: The converter can be updated via .efw firmware file

Notice

The voltage must not be switched off when updating the firmware

The CU1521-0020 is damaged and can only be repaired by the service department.

Update via *.rpd firmware file (HW00-HW01)

Firmware compatibility 2: — Fig.48: Firmware update by writing to the FPGA with *.rpd file

The firmware version is displayed online in register x0E06, here: FW02

Firmware compatibility 3: — Fig.49: Display firmware version in register x0E06

Update via *.efw firmware file (HW02)

Firmware compatibility 4: — Fig.50: FW update via *.efw file

The firmware version is displayed online in CoE register 0x100A, here: FW06

Firmware compatibility 5: — Fig.51: Display firmware version in CoE register: 0x100A

*) This is the current compatible firmware/hardware version at the time of the preparing this documentation. Check on the Beckhoff website whether more up-to-date documentation is available.