ABSTRACT
Ethernet for Control Automation Technology (EtherCAT) is a high-performance Ethernet-based fieldbus system. The main reason for its development was the adoption of Ethernet in automation applications, where short cycle times and low communication jitters are required. An important characteristic of EtherCAT is its ability to support multiprotocol higher-level communications using standardized mailboxes. EtherCAT is based on a master/slave approach and relies on a ring topology at the physical level. The physical layer of EtherCAT relies on the proven fast Ethernet transmission technology, which enables high data rates that are more than adequate to the communication needs of next-generation industrial plants. The data link protocol of EtherCAT was designed to maximize the utilization of the Ethernet bandwidth and to grant a very high communication efficiency. The EtherCAT data link communication services enable the individual addressing of several slaves by means of a single Ethernet frame carrying multiple Data Link Protocol Data Units (DLPDUs).
