Summary and Outlook

EtherCAT is characterized by outstanding performance, very simple wiring and openness for other protocols. EtherCAT sets new standards where conventional fieldbus systems reach their limits: 1000 I/O in 30 µs, optionally twisted pair cable or optical fibre and, thanks to Ethernet and Internet-technologies, optimum vertical integration. With EtherCAT, the costly Ethernet star topology can be replaced with a simple line structure - no expensive infrastructure components are required. Optionally, EtherCAT may also be wired in the classic way using switches, in order to integrate other Ethernet devices. Where other real-time-Ethernet approaches require special connections in the controller, EtherCAT manages with very cost-effective standard Ethernet cards (NIC).

With EtherCAT, Ethernet down to the terminal block becomes technically feasible and economically sensible. Full Ethernet compatibility, Internet technologies even in very simple devices, maximum utilization of the large bandwidth offered by Ethernet, outstanding real-time characteristics at low costs are outstanding features of this new network. As a high-speed bus and I/O bus for Industrial PCs or in combination with smaller control technology, EtherCAT is expected to be widely used in a wide range of applications.