Representation of EtherCAT devices in PROFINET

The ER9320-0022 maps EtherCAT devices as PROFINET modules. This allows EtherCAT devices to be integrated into a PROFINET environment and addressed by a PROFINET controller.

EtherCAT process data (PDO)

The process data contains the cyclic input and output data of an EtherCAT device. Their size and structure are device-specific.

Only predefined process data variants ("Predefined PDO Assignments") are available when using an EtherCAT device on the ER9320-0022. These are stored in the GSDML file.

EtherCAT device parameters (CoE)

Parameter data from EtherCAT devices is managed via CoE (CANopen over EtherCAT). These parameters are accessed from the PROFINET system via acyclic services (record data).

Project planning

During project planning, you must ensure that the order of the modules in the PROFINET project corresponds to the physical topology of the EtherCAT devices.

Restrictions

• Support for EtherCAT devices depends on the GSDML file; not all EtherCAT devices are supported.
• Individual or freely definable PDO mappings are not possible; only predefined variants can be used.
• A CX8093 from Beckhoff may be required for extended or device-specific functions.