Every EtherCAT system requires an EtherCAT master—the central control unit of the network. The master assembles and sends packets of data (e.g., target position, velocity, torque) to control the slave devices on an EtherCAT network, and processes the data returned from those devices.
EtherCAT masters come in various forms, including software-based stacks running on industrial PCs and dedicated hardware controllers with built-in, real-time functionality.
Teknic's ClearPath-EC products are designed to integrate smoothly with a wide range of EtherCAT masters, including both hardware and software-based masters. While Teknic has experience with EtherCAT master manufacturers, the three most common for our customers are Acontis, KINGSTAR, and Centroid.
