EtherCAT is the open real-time Ethernet network originally developed by Beckhoff. EtherCAT sets new standards for real-time performance since it updates 1000 distributed I/O in 30 µs or 100 axis every 100 µs using twisted pair or fiber optic cable. Regarding topology, EtherCAT gives you the choice: it supports a simple low cost line structure, a tree structure, daisy chaining or drop lines - no expensive infrastructure components are required. EtherCAT features include high precision device synchronization , a cable redundancy option, and a functional safety protocol (SIL3). EtherCAT is an IEC specification (IEC/PAS 62407).
