EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool version 2.0 released
September 2016
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Technical Working Group Conformance, within the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG), has released version 2.0 of the EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool (CTT), which features a significantly extended test set for EtherCAT devices. Manufacturers of EtherCAT slaves especially benefit from the new version, which is distinguished mainly by new functionalities for device configuration and EtherCAT development. Additionally, fully automated testing of EtherCAT devices in Distributed Clocks (DC) mode is now available.
The EtherCAT CTT, is the official reference tool for specifying compliant implementation of EtherCAT technology into EtherCAT slaves. The CTT enables the hundreds of EtherCAT device manufacturers to ensure reliable interoperability in the field. The first version of the CTT was created in 2008 and all subsequent updates have proven to be stable in practice. To maintain continuity, version 2.0 retains all functionalities and tests from the first version while adding impressive new features.
With the updates in version 2.0, central extensions become available. Over and above the main job of the tool, which is to conduct device tests and detect possible errors, CCT 2.0 significantly extends functionalities that support and simplify EtherCAT development. This includes the ESI editor which can be used to edit the device description file, SII control to generate the EEPROM content, as well as additional functionalities such as the possibility to upload the object dictionary from the device and save it for the ESI.
In parallel to the extensions of the new version, test coverage has been increased systematically, leading to a much higher number of possible test cases. Furthermore, CTT 2.0 supports the operation of devices in the highly accurate synchronisation mode (distributed clocks) which can now be tested via a fully automated process.
Additionally, users can create any number of configurations in one project for an EtherCAT slave – even automatically. This enables the developer to test the devices comfortably and quickly in all available configurations. The test results themselves can be exported for documentation into Microsoft Excel or .csv format.
Version 2.0 of the Conformance Test Tool is now available to all members of the EtherCAT Technology Group.
For more information contact EtherCAT Technology Group, +49 911 540 56 226, [email protected], www.ethercat.org
Further reading:
Remote I/O modules provide flexible options for distributed applications
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Dinkle International is now stocking the iO-GRID NEMO industrial-grade remote input/output modules, offering support for five leading industrial Ethernet protocols and a range of discrete channel configurations for distributed automation applications.
Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Read more...
Daudin expands fieldbus modular remote I/O series
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
: The Dinkle iO-GRID X modular remote I/O family is now available, offering fieldbus coupler modules for major industrial Ethernet protocols, and over 20 types of I/O modules to help integrators and equipment builders create flexible, efficient control systems.
Read more...
Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.
Read more...
Automotive Ethernet media converter
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has introduced its first automotive ethernet product under the PEAK brand. The PAE-Media Converter is a compact device designed to connect automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1) with standard Ethernet (100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T) networks.
Read more...
3D electrical systems design workflow for electromechanical innovation
Siemens South Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced new 3D electrical design capabilities within its Capital software, enabling electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently in a shared 3D environment to reduce late-stage design changes and accelerate time to market for complex electromechanical products.
Read more...
Long-distance signal delivery is critical to rail safety
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A remote monitoring specialist explains why fibre optic technology is increasingly replacing copper cabling in safety-critical railway signalling systems.
Read more...
Building efficiency into cement production with SCADA and IIoT
Adroit Technologies
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
For decades, Adroit Technologies has worked alongside leading cement producers, helping them gain greater visibility into their operations through advanced SCADA and IIoT solutions.
Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-5: Interactive control systems
Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control was explained in the previous loop signature articles. One of the examples used was feedforward control of load changes on a heat exchanger when variations occurred in the flow of the process fluid through the exchanger.
Read more...
Integrated automation systems in poultry feed production
Adroit Technologies
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
South Africa’s poultry industry is increasingly turning to advanced automation systems to optimise operations. Working in partnership with Adroit Technologies, leading poultry supplier Sovereign implemented the Mitsubishi Adroit Process Suite across a key feed production facility, creating a scalable, integrated system capable of supporting both current operations and future expansion.
Read more...
printer friendly version