At the last technology evening, Kenneth McPherson, managing director of Beckhoff Automation South Africa, presented on the topic ‘EtherCAT as an Enabler for Smart Technologies’. EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is an open, real-time industrial Ethernet technology, invented by Beckhoff Automation. The protocol is standardised in IEC 61158 and is suitable for both hard and soft real-time computing requirements in automation technology.
Generally, a bus system is one of the core components of the control system architecture. It helps define the system performance, determines the choice of suppliers/components and subsequently the overall cost of the control system amongst others. The three main performance challenges of any real-time communication are bandwidth utilisation, stack delays and switch delays. With EtherCAT’s technology performance breakthrough, these problems are resolved.
Ann de Beer (left) presents Kenneth McPherson with the SAIMC certificate.
Topics covered by Kenneth included:
• Why is the Fieldbus so important?
• Ethernet for real-time communication.
• The game changer: a unique functional principle.
• Stable technology in a fast changing world.
• Time sensitive networking.
• EtherCAT and TSN: best of both worlds.
• EtherCAT enabled Industry 4.0: a practical example, ‘Enabling Machine Builders with EtherCAT’.
EtherCAT provides competitive advantages in areas such as precision manufacturing, throughput, efficiency, truly open architecture and reliability. The EtherCAT Technology Group is the largest of the industrial Ethernet organisations and currently has 4835 members worldwide.
The branch thanks Kenneth for this informative presentation.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At SAIMC Durban’s October Technology Evening, Nico Erasmus delivered a thought-provoking presentation on a topic close to every automation professional’s heart: PLC and Drive Manufacturer Generational Hardware - UpGrades, UpGates or UpRates?
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
Read more...Why ECSA matters SAIMC
SAIMC
I always knew I had to register as a Professional Engineer. Then I opened the registration guidelines.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Enabling AI-ready manufacturing in South Africa SAIMC
SAIMC
Last month, I wrote about the ethical use of AI in our daily lives. This month, I want to explore two concepts, backed by different architectures and technologies, that can assist our manufacturing facilities to exponentially increase the pace of their digital transformation.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch hosted its June Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club, where attendees explored a topic beyond the usual scope of process automation.
Read more...SAIMC: Zambia branch
SAIMC
SAIMC Zambia recently facilitated an industrial visit to the Zamefa Cable Manufacturing Company in Luanshya for twenty automation students from Sinozam. The visit gave students valuable exposure to the advanced technology used in copper and aluminium cable production.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The August technology meeting was jointly presented by Pusetso Sentle and Suvern Moodley on the subject of ‘Universal Automation: Open, Flexible and Vendor-Agnostic Industrial Control’, and drew a record attendance.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version