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EtherCAT Node

Preconditions for using EtherCAT

Note
Refer to the PLCnext Info Center for a list of controllers supporting EtherCAT.

Note
The EtherCAT application needs to be installed on PLCnext Technology controllers via the PLCnext Store.

The EtherCAT functionality and therefore also the EtherCAT-related PLANT nodes and editors are only available if the controller supports this (PLCnext Technology controllers from firmware version 2026.0) and the functionality has been activated in PLCnext Engineer. To do this, proceed as follows:

  1. Double-click on the controller node in the PLANT and open the 'Settings' editor.
  2. In the 'Extensions' category, set the 'EtherCAT' parameter to 'On'.

Example illustration: How to activate EtherCAT functionality

Editor description

The following information refers to a specific, typical device type. Your screen may differ.

The 'EtherCAT' node represents the EtherCAT master. After adding EtherCAT modules, these are contained as child elements under the 'EtherCAT' node.
All editors for setting up the EtherCAT network and configuring the master are accessible by double-clicking the 'EtherCAT' node.

Further Info
Detailed information on the EtherCAT configuration as well as step-by-step procedures can be found in the help chapter "EtherCAT-specific Properties".

The 'EtherCAT' node in the PLANT provides the following editors: