EtherCAT

 

Beckhoff and the EtherCAT Technology Group, ETG for short, have developed the Ethernet-based EtherCAT communication standard. Like PROFINET, EtherCAT is an open standard and is also suitable for time-critical Motion Control applications due to its fast transmission. With EtherCAT, data is exchanged according to the master-slave principle in which, for example, a PLC sends data to a field device.

EtherCAT

Dunkermotoren & EtherCAT


Dunkermotors of the BG series have already been equipped with an EtherCAT communication interface for several years. Since 2020, the BG dPro series is now available with an EtherCAT interface. This interface is either integrated directly in the motor housing or available via the external BGE 5510 dPro controller. With the EtherCAT integration in the dPro portfolio, the possibility for real-time synchronization with distributed clocks is also given. The Functional Safety Function STO is integrated in all dPro EC drives as standard.


EtherCAT

Application areas EtherCAT

Warehouse Automation

Warehouse Automation

Warehouse Automation

» Shuttle Systeme
» AGVs/AGCs/AMRs
» palletizing robots
» Strapping

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Featured Product

 

  • Advantages of EtherCAT


    » Fast data exchange due to short cycle times (≤100µs)
    » Exact synchronization with distributed clocks
    » Low hardware costs
    » Different topologies possible (line, ring, tree, star)
    » High availability due to cable redundancies
    » High precision (jitter <1µs)


Press releases

08/04/2022
Thanks to EoE with Ethernet into the EtherCAT network
Industrial Ethernet has become an indispensable part of automation. In addition to PROFINET and Ethernet/IP, Dunkermotoren, a brand of AMETEK Advanced Motion Solutions, also supports the Industrial Ethernet protocol EtherCAT. The advantages of EtherCAT are increased speed, reduced data traffic and precise data due to distributed clocks. And by the way, EtherCAT also comes with comparably lower hardware costs. With EtherCAT, you have an excellent real-time Ethernet for controlling BG(E) dPro EC motors. Compared to other Ethernet-based bus systems, an EtherCAT master optimizes communication specifically for the topology of the network. New devices, such as a PC for adapting the motor control or analyzing the motor data, can thus not be introduced easily into an existing network. And this is where EoE comes up: With EoE (Ethernet over EtherCAT), an Ethernet network can be connected to an EtherCAT network. The master can then "tunnel" the Ethernet protocol over the EtherCAT protocol. This means that the Ethernet protocol is packaged into the EtherCAT protocol and sent from the EtherCAT network to a specific Ethernet node via a switch port. The advantages of EoE are that the real-time capability of the EtherCAT network is not violated and the data traffic remains collision-free and fully duplex. Furthermore, certain devices can be addressed directly via their respective MAC address. This gives the customer the possibility to implement internet technologies such as a web server in his EtherCAT network. For Dunkermotoren in detail, this means that a motor from Dunkermotoren can be accessed via Drive Assistant 5 without violating the existing topology with the defined master. This enables the customer to perform condition monitoring, analyze the motor or make remote adjustments. EoE makes all IIoT features conceivable in an EtherCAT network. EoE is available for all motors and external electronics from Dunkermotoren of the dPro family with Industrial Ethernet from firmware version 24.01.0. Downloads Press release (PDF)
04/23/2021
Dunkermotoren "Safe Torque Off" (STO) certified
Even our grandparents knew that double stitching holds better. The principle of redundancy contained therein is one of the core principles of functional safety: If, for example, any component fails, then another component must compensate for the defect. Dunkermotoren applies this principle in DC servo motors (BG series) so that, if necessary, they can also quite safely no longer generate torque. It goes without saying that Dunkermotoren has meticulously complied with all the required standards in the design of the safe circuits. The TÜV Nord has checked the compliance with the standards just as meticulously. Correctness has now been confirmed at the very first attempt and the corresponding certificate for the standard compliant STO function has been issued. Dunkermotoren is a pioneer in the integration of functions in brushless DC motors in the 20...4000 W range. With the certified STO function, Dunkermotoren has integrated a function that makes applications safer, especially in the fields of industrial automation, intralogistics, medical technology and door automation. By combining the motors with components from the modular system, the motors with certified STO can be individually adapted to a wide variety of applications. If necessary, also for the textile industry in the production of double seams. Downloads Pressrelease
11/23/2020
Functional safety with Dunkermotoren
Just a few decades ago, fast-rotating saws without contact protection or transport of goods according to the principle "mass has right of way" were common. Today, working even alongside power-packed cobots or gigantic driverless transport systems is safer than with a capricious stapler. The reason for this is functional safety, which systematically helps to avoid dangers with many standards. In the future, Dunkermotoren in the 20...3900 W range will also be available with functional safety, thus contributing to safer products. All motors and external controllers with dPro functionality can be fully integrated with STO (Safe Torque Off). In combination with Industrial Ethernet, STO becomes standard, while retaining the same size. Where energy-hungry and space-consuming mechanical relays are currently still used, fully integrated electronic circuits in Dunkermotoren ensure that motors are switched reliably and torque-free in accordance with relevant standards when required. Since the logic voltage is maintained when STO is triggered, time-consuming referencing after restarting is also eliminated. Thus, a high degree of safety is achieved with a high degree of efficiency. Downloads Pressrelease
10/27/2020
EtherCAT with distributed clocks
The complete BLDC motor series dPro from Dunkermotoren is now also available with EtherCAT interface. The dPro versions are available with integrated servo controller (BG 66 dPro EC to BG 95 dPro EC) or as external version (BGE 5510 dPro EC). In contrast to the previous EtherCAT product portfolio, a special highlight is Distributed Clocks and the associated possibility of real-time synchronization. A large number of brushless motors of the BG series in the power range from 10 W to 1100 W are controlled via the industrial Ethernet interface (CoE protocol). Easy integration of the units into the Beckhoff TwinCAT environment is guaranteed with the help of a simply explained "Let's Connect" manual and the appropriate parameter files (ESI). Early next year, the EtherCAT drive units will be equipped with another "must have" feature. With the safety function "Safe Torque Off", the motors will be found in the future in numerous autonomous vehicles (AGV or AGV) or in traditional mechanical engineering. Dunkermotoren: Your reliable partner Downloads Pressrelease