Data throughput

The following factors influence the Ethernet data throughput:

• The EtherCAT cycle time: the shorter the EtherCAT cycle used for the process data, the more acyclic mailbox queries can be carried out. If several different EtherCAT cycle times are used in an EtherCAT segment, the fastest cycle time is decisive.
• The time between process data frames that is available for mailbox communication: the longer the Ethernet line is free for acyclic mailbox communication, the higher the Ethernet data throughput of the EP6601-0002.
• The size of the EP6601-0002 mailbox: the larger the mailbox, the more Ethernet frames the EP6601-0002 can send to or receive from the EtherCAT master in the same time. See chapter Mailbox.
• The number of terminals used in the EtherCAT system that simultaneously use mailbox communication.
• The settings of the virtual switch. See chapter Virtual switch.

Tips for shortening the response times To shorten the response times in your application (e.g. to ping requests), we recommend the following procedure: Reduce the EtherCAT cycle time currently used significantly or add a new task with a smaller cycle time, e.g.: 500 µs if you have previously used a 2.5 ms EtherCAT cycle. Important: This task must access real I/O process data of the EtherCAT slaves and must be recognizable under EtherCAT device -> EtherCAT tab, see Fig. Real frame structure from the TwinCAT System Manager

Note regarding the specified values These values are typical values without warranty. Throughput rates may differ in different applications depending on boundary conditions.