Configuration

Configuring EtherCAT Terminals

Since the PROFIBUS is subject to certain restrictions, EtherCAT Terminals cannot be configured via the GSD file. Some EtherCAT Terminals would exceed the maximum data length solely on account of the number of configuration data.

Configuration via the GSD file was deliberately omitted, and the EtherCAT Terminals are configured as follows:

• Via the web interface (see: Beckhoff device manager),
• Or via the PROFIBUS DPV1 services (see sample program for a TwinCAT controller: EK3100_profibus_PLC.zip).

Configuring the process image (mapping) of the EtherCAT Terminals

The process image (mapping) of an EtherCAT Terminal is configured via the GSD file, as usual. If an EtherCAT Terminal has different mappings, the mapping is automatically set by selecting the corresponding module in the GSD file. If an EtherCAT Terminal is added in TwinCAT, for example, you can choose between the available mappings.

The GSD file for the EK3100 Bus Coupler must be copied into the TwinCAT directory:

• TwinCAT 2: C:\TwinCAT\Io\Profibus
• TwinCAT 3: C:\TwinCAT\3.1\Config\Io\Profibus

Or: The GSD file for the EK3100 Bus Coupler can be installed retrospectively in TwinCAT when the Bus Coupler is added in TwinCAT (see: Adding the EK3100 Bus Coupler in TwinCAT). A corresponding prompt appears in TwinCAT, which asks you to install the GSD file.

Important configuration files