Industrial Automation and Motion Control Blog | The Knotts Company

With the technology today in motion control and machine automation, there can be a large number of terms used that are unfamiliar.  This can lead to miscommunication or in the worst case, a machine that does not work.  Here's a short list of common components and terms that are commonly used with respect to machine automation that will hopefully help to reduce some confusion.

What is EtherCAT?

• EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology)

• Open Ethernet-based fieldbus standard utilizing IEEE 802.3 Ethernet components

• Utilizes off-the-shelf wiring: RJ45 connectors, CAT5 cables

• Real-time optimum Industrial Ethernet Protocol for controlling Servo, AC Drives and I/O.

• More information at www.ethercat.org

Why EtherCAT?

EtherCAT is the fastest fieldbus network on the market that enables high performance architecture solutions. Its use of open standards and freedom of topology make it easy to implement, easy to use, and easy to maintain. Control systems designed now can support future architecture advances because it eliminates limitations found in alternative network technologies. EtherCAT is Omron Industrial Automations standard for fieldbus networks, and its standard for high performance motion control.

In a highly competitive and global market, OEM's constantly strive to achieve more for less when it comes to machine automation. This intensifies as users of automated equipment in the America's drive for specific needs such as - smaller production quantities, wider ranges of sizes, higher throughput, and more uptime. EtherCAT as a fieldbus technology that enables the convergence of Sequence, Motion, I/O, Vision, and Safety. Omron's implementation of EtherCAT suite of products enables automation platforms to increase overall efficiencies for machine builders and achieve higher performance.

Would you like to learn more about EtherCAT?

Omron is sponsoring a full-day seminar in Boston on October 11th, 2011. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how EtherCAT technologies can help you.

Learn more about Omron EtherCat Solutions.