EtherCAT – the Ethernet Fieldbus

Selecting the communication technology is important: it determines whether the control performance will reach the field and which devices can be used. EtherCAT, the Industrial Ethernet technology invented by Beckhoff, makes machines and systems faster, simpler and more cost-effective. EtherCAT is regarded as the "Ethernet fieldbus" because it combines the advantages of Ethernet with the simplicity of classic fieldbus systems and avoids the complexity of IT technologies. The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG), founded in 2003, makes it accessible to everyone. With over 7,000 member companies from 72 countries (as of March 2023), the ETG is the world's largest fieldbus user organization.

EtherCAT is an international IEC standard that not only stands for openness, but also for stability: until today, the specifications have never been changed, but only extended compatibility. This means that current devices can be used in existing systems without any problems and without having to consider different versions. The extensions include Safety over EtherCAT for machine and personnel safety in the same network, and EtherCAT P for communication and supply voltage (2 x 24 V) on the same 4-wire cable. And also EtherCAT G/G10, which introduces higher transfer rates, while the existing EtherCAT equipment variety is integrated via the so called branch concept: even here there is no technology break.

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