Based on the SYBERA Realtime Engine and the Ethernet transport layer, the EtherCAT Master enables high-precision, cyclical operation
of EtherCAT devices under Windows – entirely without additional controller hardware. Control is performed directly via PC hardware and standard Ethernet adapters
(REALTEK, INTEL).
The integrated station management allows for nearly complete implicit management of devices or targeted control of individual function steps
(FMMU, SYNCMAN, PDO, STATE etc.). With the extensive library functions for Distributed Clock, COE, and State Management, complex processes
such as state transitions or error situations can be controlled efficiently. Protocol management, error handling, and device synchronization are already integrated into the
EtherCAT Master protocol stack. The goal is for developers to be able to focus entirely on processing the payload data,
without having to worry about the protocol.
The basis of the programming library is the Realtime Extension for Windows using "X-Realtime" technology. This achieves highly accurate
DC (Distributed Clock) synchronized control
of drives.
EtherCAT Master – Functionality
In addition to advanced EtherCAT functions such as Distributed Clock, COE, and State Management, the library system allows control over the
operating modes of EtherCAT devices.
The integrated station management allows for nearly complete implicit management or targeted control of individual function steps (FMMU, SYNCMAN, PDO, STATE).
SYBERA also offers the testing software ECATVERIFY. This software allows developers to test EtherCAT devices without programming and interactively adjust parameters
like PDO mapping. All functions are visualized, making every step traceable. The integrated
PDO Configurator allows
easy definition of PDO mappings. Devices can be added, removed, or moved, and changes are automatically saved in the
configuration file.
EtherCAT Master – Technology
The library enables the sending and receiving of EtherCAT-compatible Ethernet protocols in real-time. A separate real-time task
functionally processes the EtherCAT telegrams. The system uses four real-time tasks: sending and receiving frames, processing the payload data
, and error handling. The tasks are synchronized via a state machine. Frame errors, hardware latencies, timeouts, and working counters are
automatically checked, while a frame filter separates the telegrams for further processing.
SYBERA employs Dynamic Jitter Compensation. The X-Realtime Engine ensures very low jitter, which results in precise control
and synchronization of drive controllers. The Distributed Clock Management compensates for time offset, static
and dynamic drift, as well as propagation delay, allowing all parameters such as control word, status word, target, and actual position to be used in real-time.
Drive initialization occurs automatically based on the master configuration.
EtherCAT – Training
SYBERA offers the “EtherCAT Development” Training.
Product-independently, the training covers the basics of EtherCAT technology, including State Management, PDI, SYNC and FMMU Management, Mailbox communication,
COE, PDO Assignment, Watchdog, Distributed Clock, parameterization, and XML files. Participants gain practical experience in configuration, programming, and error analysis.
Analyses with Wireshark deepen the understanding.
EtherCAT – Live Demonstration with Microsoft Teams
SYBERA offers an exclusive Live Demonstration of the EtherCAT Master via Microsoft Teams.
This interactive presentation allows developers and interested parties deep insight into the system and its functionalities.
Participants can experience the processes, station management, real-time performance, and control options in a practical way.
The goal of the live demo is to better acquaint participants with the SYBERA EtherCAT Master and to realistically assess its performance capabilities.
This allows developers to make informed decisions and optimally evaluate the system's application possibilities. Interested parties are welcome to
arrange an individually coordinated appointment with us.
