Firmware Update EL/ES/EM/ELM/EPxxxx
This section describes the device update for Beckhoff EtherCAT slaves from the EL/ES, ELM, EM, EK and EP series. A firmware update should only be carried out after consultation with Beckhoff support.
A firmware update of Beckhoff IO devices must only be performed with a TwinCAT 3 installation. It is recommended to build as up-to-date as possible, available for free download on the Beckhoff website https://www.beckhoff.com/en-us/.
To update the firmware, TwinCAT can be operated in the so-called FreeRun mode, a paid license is not required.
The device to be updated can usually remain in the installation location, but TwinCAT has to be operated in the FreeRun. Please make sure that EtherCAT communication is trouble-free (no LostFrames etc.).
Other EtherCAT master software, such as the EtherCAT Configurator, should not be used, as they may not support the complexities of updating firmware, EEPROM and other device components.
Storage locations
An EtherCAT slave stores operating data in up to three locations:
- Depending on functionality and performance EtherCAT slaves have one or several local controllers for processing I/O data. The corresponding program is the so-called firmware in *.efw format.
- In some EtherCAT slaves the EtherCAT communication may also be integrated in these controllers. In this case the controller is usually a so-called FPGA chip with *.rbf firmware.
- In addition, each EtherCAT slave has a memory chip, a so-called ESI-EEPROM, for storing its own device description (ESI: EtherCAT Slave Information). On power-up this description is loaded and the EtherCAT communication is set up accordingly. The device description is available from the download area of the Beckhoff website at (https://www.beckhoff.com). All ESI files are accessible there as zip files.
Customers can access the data via the EtherCAT fieldbus and its communication mechanisms. Acyclic mailbox communication or register access to the ESC is used for updating or reading of these data.
The TwinCAT System Manager offers mechanisms for programming all three parts with new data, if the slave is set up for this purpose. Generally the slave does not check whether the new data are suitable, i.e. it may no longer be able to operate if the data are unsuitable.
Simplified update by bundle firmware
The update using so-called bundle firmware is more convenient: in this case the controller firmware and the ESI description are combined in a *.efw file; during the update both the firmware and the ESI are changed in the terminal. For this to happen it is necessary
- for the firmware to be in a packed format: recognizable by the file name, which also contains the revision number, e.g. ELxxxx-xxxx_REV0016_SW01.efw
- for password=1 to be entered in the download dialog. If password=0 (default setting) only the firmware update is carried out, without an ESI update.
- for the device to support this function. The function usually cannot be retrofitted; it is a component of many new developments from year of manufacture 2016.
Following the update, its success should be verified
- ESI/Revision: e.g. by means of an online scan in TwinCAT ConfigMode/FreeRun – this is a convenient way to determine the revision
- Firmware: e.g. by looking in the online CoE of the device
- Note the following when downloading new device files
- Firmware downloads to an EtherCAT device must not be interrupted
- Flawless EtherCAT communication must be ensured. CRC errors or LostFrames must be avoided.
- The power supply must adequately dimensioned. The signal level must meet the specification.
- In the event of malfunctions during the update process the EtherCAT device may become unusable and require re-commissioning by the manufacturer.