Mastering EtherCAT and E-Bus Modules: Common Questions and Configuration Tips ★★

  1. What is the maximum data length for Inputs and Outputs in the EtherCAT communication variable list? This depends on the IO configuration. It can support over 6,000 slave devices, and the amount of outputs and inputs each module carries varies.
  2. How to read the status of a servo using EtherCAT communication to display it on the HMI? You can create a UINT variable in the PLC program and bind it to the following parameters, then display it on the interface:

EtherCAT上位参数.png

  1. Modifying the Station (ESC Access) of the Hot Connect Module via E²PROM Refer to Beckhoff Information System

    Note: Ensure the module is online before writing to the node.
  2. How to Modify the Sync Unit Cycle in DC Synchronization
    1. Create a new task.

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  1. Assign tasks to the modules you want to modify using the Sync Unit Grouping feature.

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  1. Verify the modification results in the module's EtherCAT → Advanced Settings.

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Note: If you want to increase the cycle for an oversampling module, confirm whether it supports completing the analog-to-digital conversion within that cycle.


For example, the EL3702 has a single data sample conversion time of approximately 10 µs. If you want to refresh 100 samples of data in one synchronous data update, then 10 * 100 = 1000; thus, the sync cycle should be set to over 1000 µs.


  1. Retrieve the EtherCAT timestamp DC System Time (DCsystime) DC Synchronization Clock (64-bit)

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Note: You must have at least one module that supports DC functionality, such as the AX5000 series drives or modules like the EL1259; otherwise, this tab will not be available.


  1. Can variables in EtherCAT communication be of structure type? Yes, they can be structures.
  2. Resetting to Factory Settings for COE Parameters in EL/EP/EJ Series Modules To restore factory settings, write 0x64616F6C to directory 1011:01.

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What to do if the module cannot enter OP mode?


If the ammeter reads 5mA but the EL3124 still shows the maximum value of 32768 with a 4-20mA range for a four-wire sensor, and you've confirmed the sensor is functioning correctly:


  • Ensure the sensor and power are correctly connected to the EL3124.
  • Verify the current with a multimeter to ensure it's indeed 5mA.


Try the wiring configuration as shown in the diagram to test. If the issue persists, reset the module to factory settings by writing 64616F6C to 1011:01.

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8. Introduction to Using CU2508

I. How to Use the CU2508?


II. Can the CU2508 replace the functionality of the CU2208, and provide real-time communication with enhanced capabilities?

These are not products with the same functionality; they cannot replace each other.

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 Firstly ,add Real-Time Ethernet Adapter

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Adapter Selection for Connecting to the CU2508 Network Card

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In the Ports Settings, change the Virtual Port Count to 8, set TCPIP Port to via EoE (Ethernet over EtherCAT), and modify Virtual Port Selection via to EtherCAT Switch Link Protocol (ESL).4

Then, you can proceed to add the EtherCAT network.5

Select the port on the CU2508 for the adapter, then activate the configuration to make it effective. Once activation is complete, switch back to configuration mode. This will allow you to scan for and connect the slaves attached to the CU2508.

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9. What should be considered when manually adding EtherCAT devices?

When manually adding EtherCAT devices, pay attention to the Previous Port option. In the diagram below, the EtherCAT drive is typically connected to the second port of the EK1100. However, if the drive is actually connected to the extension port of the EK1110, this mismatch can lead to activation errors.

手动添加ethercat设备时需要注意的一点.png


10. How Does Information Exchange Occur Between an Industrial PC with an EtherCAT Card and the EtherCAT Slave Port on a CX5130?

The industrial PC with an EtherCAT card can interact with the EtherCAT slave port on the CX5130 just like with any typical EtherCAT slave; it can be scanned directly.

Detailed Configuration Steps:

Please refer to the documentation below for detailed configuration steps.

https://download.beckhoff.com/download/document/ipc/embedded-pc/embedded-pc-cx/ethercat_optioninterface_en.pdf

11. Use of Internal Variable Types in EL High-Function Modules (Global Data Type, Type System, External Types)

  1. Use of Internal Variables in EL High-Function Modules: After version 4024 of TC3, analog and gateway modules (not supported in regular input/output modules) have introduced a convenient feature for declaring and using variables:

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Complete the link within the PLC options of the module:

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2. Adding Custom Structures to the System Types:

The internal variables generated from this can be used during declaration. To share the program's custom structure type for other communications, such as EAP, you can directly right-click on the variable name and select "Share":

(Note in Step 1, when using the internal variable type declaration in the module, avoid adding AT% because the internal variable type has already included it in the external types.)4


After successful mapping, activate the device to use the module's properties and values in programming.


3. Deletion Method:


If you no longer need external types, you must delete them in the type system. Before deletion, ensure that all declarations and calls in the configuration and logic have already been removed.

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You can also use the "Edit" function shown in the diagram above to make modifications.

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If you wish to add your own custom types, please refer to:https://infosys.beckhoff.com/content/1033/eap/1984785291.html?id=6391862396929124882

12. Do Beckhoff modules each have a unique ID so that identical modules can be distinguished?

No, they do not. You can differentiate identical modules based on their installation order and corresponding EtherCAT addresses.