• Invitación

We invite and encourage all vendors of EtherCAT master systems, slave devices, codes and tools to participate in the 2017 Winter European EtherCAT Plug Fest taking place Dec 5+6 in Verl, Germany, at facilities hosted by ETG member company BECKHOFF Automation GmbH & Co. KG. Thanks to BECKHOFF there are no participation costs (travel and lodging to be arranged by individual).

The goal of this developer’s event is to perform interoperability tests. Master and slave device suppliers gather to test and improve interoperability, to share implementation tips and tricks and clarify questions regarding the technology. Experts of the technology will support with their know-how on-site.

The Plug Fests have established themselves as pragmatic and effective means to achieve interoperable EtherCAT products. The general boot-up, process data and mailbox communication will be tested as well as device behaviour with enhanced functionality, like support of Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE), EtherCAT P, Modular Device Profile (MDP) and CiA402 servo drive profile. The current EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool (CTT) will be used to check device behaviour and interoperability.

Only manufacturers with at least functional prototypes are invited, observers are not allowed. One or two device developers per device are expected. Attendees are not entitled to publish or communicate test results of other participating companies.

Participants of the last Plug Fests are encouraged to attend again, since new and extended EtherCAT features will be covered. Furthermore, we expect new devices (both master and slaves) to be present, so that the interoperability tests will be enhanced, too.

Participation is free of charge, thus accommodation is not included. The registration form can be found on page 5 of this invitation. Please register as soon as possible, since the number of attendees is limited due to space constraints.

Registration deadline: Friday, Nov 24, 2017