Transcript: EtherCAT Code Assistant – Sybera
Hello and welcome to Sybera. In this video, I will show you the EtherCAT Code Assistant – a powerful tool for the quick and efficient creation of EtherCAT Master code. The assistant significantly simplifies the entry into the EtherCAT Master Stack on Windows systems.
The automatically generated code is standardized and easy to understand. This allows EtherCAT projects to be developed, adapted, and maintained faster. I'll show you our practical test environment.
Here you can see the test setup with a Drive Controller from Technosoft, model ePos 4808.
We also use Beckhoff terminals of the type BK1100, including EL4132, EL2008, and EL1008 as EtherCAT test devices.
The EtherCAT Code Assistant is based on the Ceberra EtherCAT Master Stack for Windows, which enables industrial real-time communication.
The tool automatically generates executable EtherCAT code from existing configurations – efficiently and error-free.
First, an EtherCAT configuration is created; for this, we use the EtherCAT Verifier from the Ceberra toolchain.
In the menu item Param, Easy Converter, I select the appropriate file to be converted.
The configuration file is named, e.g., eCut Device Webinar, and the conversion is started.
This process is repeated for every ESY file. Already open configuration files automatically add the device configurations.
All EtherCAT devices listed in the ESY file are converted and adopted – quickly and consistently.
I repeat this step for all other ESY files.
After the conversion is complete, the PDO configuration follows. Here we define which Process Data Objects (PDOs) are exchanged between the Master and the drive in real-time operation.
In the menu item PDO-Config, I load the configuration file and select the desired device – Technosoft ePos 4808. Additional PDOs from the catalog are added to the desired data structure.
For example, I assign the Error Value to group 1600 and assign digital inputs.
After the PDO configuration is complete, I define the Operating Mode in the menu item Params → DC-Config.
All prerequisites are now met. The EtherCAT Code Assistant can automatically generate header files and complete source code.
A separate header file is created for each device, including all relevant PDO and SDO definitions. This increases efficiency in developing complex EtherCAT systems.
All header files are created and can be opened for viewing. Here we see the structured setup: Tx-Map for outgoing and Rx-Map for incoming process data.
With this structure, multiple EtherCAT drives can be controlled and optimized independently. This increases flexibility and modularity in industrial use.
The Beginner Type provides compact, automatically controlled code – ideal for training, prototypes, or simple controls.
In Expert Mode, all EtherCAT functions are explicitly embedded for maximum control and performance – optimal for demanding real-time applications.
It is important that the header files are in the same project directory as the EtherCAT Verifier and the Code Assistant. The Code Generator can then be started.
The EtherCAT Code consists of a Real-Time Task for cyclic processes and a Windows part for acyclic services. All header files are automatically included.
Standard parameters can be kept or individually overwritten. The Expert Code explicitly presents all EtherCAT functions and ensures maximum transparency.
This is how complete EtherCAT Code is created for Windows PCs, executable in real-time.
The EtherCAT Code Assistant accelerates the entry into the Master Stack and significantly simplifies the maintenance of automation and test systems.
Thank you for your attention. You can find more information about the EtherCAT Code Assistant on the Sybera Website or in our training materials.