At the last Technology Evening, Kenneth McPherson, managing director Beckhoff Automation South Africa, presented on EtherCAT. EtherCAT, which stands for Ethernet for Control Automation Technology, is an open, real-time industrial Ethernet technology, invented by Beckhoff Automation.
Mike Banda (right) thanks Kenneth McPherson after the presentation.
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, 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. Thanks to EtherCAT’s technology performance breakthrough, these limitations are all resolved. With EtherCAT being the fastest industrial Ethernet technology available, and the largest industrial Ethernet organisation in the world, it becomes the engineer’s choice when it comes to selecting the right bus technology.
EtherCAT provides competitive advantages such as precision manufacturing, throughput and efficiency, with its added benefits of being low cost, easy to use, truly open, reliable and stable. Topics covered by Kenneth included:
• Enabling machine builders with EtherCAT.
• True topology flexibility.
• Comprehensive information for the operator.
• Supplier variety with EtherCAT.
• EtherCAT I/O vendors.
• Safety over EtherCAT.
• EtherCAT, Industrie 4.0 and the IIoT.
• Success stories.
The branch thanks Kenneth for his informative presentation.
Golf Day
On the 6 October the branch hosted its annual Golf Day and wishes to thank all who participated in the event. The golf was followed by the prize-giving ceremony and networking.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The INSPIRE Conference 2026 brought industry and academia together to explore advances in automation, AI, mechatronics and engineering. It also marked a new direction for the SAIMC as it works to build future-ready engineering talent and strengthen South Africa’s automation industry.
Read more...SAIMC Durban takes to the skies SAIMC
SAIMC
SAIMC Durban members went behind the scenes at the ATNS facility at King Shaka International Airport. The visit offered a fascinating look at the sophisticated technology and highly trained people keeping South Africa’s skies safe.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Durban branch September 2026 technology meeting, Werner Das of SICK explored how deep learning is moving industrial machine vision beyond rule-based systems into practical, everyday quality control on the factory floor.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC INSPIRE 2026 brings together industry, robotics and research
SAIMC
The inaugural SAIMC INSPIRE Conference will bring together the industrial automation, robotics and academic communities for two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking, and will explore developments in smart manufacturing, mining, robotics
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