EtherCAT Master Classes

End users and/ or system integrators expect a defined minimum functionality and interoperability when selecting an EtherCAT Master device. But not every master has to support all features of the EtherCAT technology. This directive defines Master Classes with a defined set of master functionalities. In order to keep things simple only 2 Master Classes are defined:

  • Class A: Standard EtherCAT Master Device
  • Class B: Minimum EtherCAT Master Device

The principle idea is that each implementation should aim to meet Class A requirements. Only if resources prohibit, e.g. on embedded systems, at least Class B shall be met. Additional functionality, which can be considered to be optional, is described by Feature Packs. The Feature Pack describes all mandatory master functionality for a specific feature, e.g. redundancy.

  Description Language Type Date Size Ver. Status
members-no ETG.1500 EtherCAT Master Classes EN PDF May 19, 2016 0,46 MB 1.0.2 Release