Mixed operation of real and virtual slaves

The EtherCAT simulation enables mixing of real and virtual slaves. This can be used, for example, to gradually put a machine/plant into operation. The following figure illustrates this schematically.

Mixed operation of real and virtual slaves 1:

For mixed operation, 2 free network interfaces at the simulation IPC are required. The first interface serves as an EtherCAT simulation device and is connected to the control computer via the EtherCAT cable. This is set in the Adapter tab of the EtherCAT simulation device (see also Adapter).

For the connection with the real existing slaves the second adapter on the EtherCAT simulation device is used (tab 2nd Adapter). This is selected in the same way as the first adapter. Mixed operation of real and virtual slaves 2:

The slaves that actually exist must be deactivated in the imported project of the EtherCAT simulation device and in exactly the same order on the EtherCAT master of the 2nd. adapter must be connected. The figure above is intended to illustrate this.