Expanding EtherCAT sensor solutions

摘要

As Omron explain, fieldbus technology is evolving at an exponential pace, with the push for faster cycle times, easy integration and seamless data exchange becoming a top priority. The benefits of fieldbus solutions are now widely recognised, including simplified installation and machine design, as well as improving machine performance and device monitoring, plus advanced functionality which would be very complex to achieve with traditional hardwired systems. There are now countless fieldbus solutions available, each with their own benefits and restrictions. Many fieldbus technologies are dedicated to motion control or even specific to sensor technology, developed to support the unique requirements of the peripheral devices. Whilst Omron support a wide range of fieldbus technologies, the company's primary offering uses EtherCAT which is widely recognised as the fastest fieldbus solution currently available, but also has the flexibility to support the integration of a wide range of peripheral devices. Integration of these devices into the fieldbus network is extremely simple and can be configured with no more than a few clicks of your mouse, providing instantaneous data exchange with the machine control platform. This completely eliminates developing complex protocols or writing custom code, providing fast and seamless integration.