EtherCAT Workbench for Network Configuration and Diagnostics

    GREENFIELD, MA, July 30, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The EtherCAT Workbench is a comprehensive EtherCAT configuration and diagnostic tool developed to create network configuration files, initialize and monitor an EtherCAT network. The application supports an offline and an online mode.

The built-in EtherCAT master supports an online topology scan as well as initialization and monitoring of an EtherCAT network. It allows exporting of configuration files compliant to the EtherCAT Network Information (ENI) format accepted by EtherCAT masters of different vendors. The configuration is based on a user extendable repository of standard EtherCAT Slave Information (ESI) files supplied by the device vendor. The configuration of devices without ESI files is possible using the online information stored in the devices ESI EEPROM.

The offline configuration feature uses an intuitive drag'n'drop interface, while the online configuration is based on a network topology scan. It allows the user the instant use of a configuration that covers all EtherCAT configuration aspects (SM / FMMU / DC setup, PDO mapping, etc.) without needing detailed knowledge of the EtherCAT technology. An enhanced editor is included to create, read, write, and modify ESI EEPROM data.

The network diagnostic functions include a free run mode to initialize and monitor the EtherCAT network and control the EtherCAT state machine of individual slaves. A sophisticated graphical network topology viewer supports users. Further features allow the online read and write access to EtherCAT slave device register, memory and object dictionary using dialogs with advanced filter capabilities. The read/write access to process data includes charting support. Users can access statistical Ethernet and EtherCAT data, and they can log EtherCAT slave CoE emergency messages, EtherCAT master, and Workbench events.

For further technical information, see our website at http://www.esd-electronics-usa.com or call our sales manager, Michelle Dzialo, at 413-772-3170.

esd electronics, Inc. has over 25 years of experience specializing in Controller Area Network (CAN), CANopen & DeviceNet hardware and software modules for industrial applications including motion control with extended customer support through seminars and engineering for hardware & software development. EtherCAT products are a central part of esd's goal to address the need for Ethernet fieldbus technologies.

EtherCAT is a registered trademark.

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