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Network

Table of Contents

Configuration and management of the EtherCAT network.

🔹 Subsections

  • RapidCode NetworkNode : The NetworkNode object represents an EtherCAT Node (SubDevice) (Drive, IO Block, etc) on the network. Accessible via MotionController and Axis objects.
  • NodeInfo & CustomNodeInfo files : See, add, or customize EtherCAT node info.
  • PDO vs. SDO : Understand the difference between real-time data exchange with PDOs and periodic service channel messages with SDOs in EtherCAT, and learn how to read, write, and configure these using RapidSetup and the RapidCode API.
  • MDP : Configure EtherCAT devices with different sub-modules using an MDP.xml file to specify topology, locations, lookup tables, and default behaviors for proper network setup and operation.
  • IO Link : Configure IO Link devices by using an Mdp.xml file to manage sub-modules, translating network information into usable EtherCAT data for precise device configuration.
  • EoE - Ethernet over EtherCAT : Use EoE to communicate with nodes on the network with Windows based programs.
  • FSoE - Safety over EtherCAT : Incorporate Safety Controllers and Safety IO into the EtherCAT network, ensuring functional safety by using Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE), which transmits safety-related data alongside standard data, compliant with IEC 61508 and IEC 61784-3 standards.
  • FoE - File over EtherCAT : Use FoE to send files over an EtherCAT network.