[Etherlab-users] Looking for etherCAT test cases

[Graeme Foot]

Hi Raz,

We user EtherCAT for multi-axis coordinated motion control along with PLC style IO control.  Used for running profile cutting machines.  (https://kineticusa.com/)

I can only see a need for encryption if your app is connecting to enterprise level systems, but that doesn’t have much to do with the EtherCAT side.  Speaking of the enterprise side, EtherCAT do have the “EtherCAT Automation Protocol (EAP)” https://www.ethercat.org/en/downloads/downloads_BB6D7FF18F2B47DDB3474168D50EE864.htm.  I personally don’t see a need for that (unless you are trying to communicate with a TwinCAT master) as there are many alternative options that can be integrated into an application.  e.g. MQTT, CoAP, XMPP, AMQP, DDS, netrpc, roll your own etc.

One thing I’ve had in the back of my mind for a while is a Soft TwinSAFE logic controller (to provide similar functionality to the Beckhoff EL6910 module).  It could be possible through time based redundancy and diversity.  Of course certification for a commercial environment is a major problem.

The main thing I’m waiting on is version 1.6 to include all of the GavinL patchset functionality.

Regards,
Graeme.

From: Etherlab-users <etherlab-users-bounces at etherlab.org> On Behalf Of Raz
Sent: Friday, 16 December 2022 20:15
To: Etherlab Users <etherlab-users at etherlab.org>
Subject: [Etherlab-users] Looking for etherCAT test cases

Hey everyone
I am interested to know what sort of applications EtherCAT is used for and how to extend it, for
example, should we add encryption  ?

Thank you
Raz
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