The configuration of EtherCAT modules is based on the device description files for the used master and slave devices employed and can be adapted in the project in configuration dialogs. In order to make sure that the simplest and most error-free use possible, we recommend for standard applications that you enable the option for the “Automatic Configuration” of the master, so that the majority of the configuration settings are dopne automatically.

Optional devices

The “Optional devices” function can be used for variable hardware configurations. At the start of the stack, the system checks whether optional devices are available. If the devices are not found, then they are deactivated automatically. However, the devices can also be activated at a later date if, for example, it is a device at the end of the network line. On the other hand, if the “Automatically restart slaves” option is selected, then the activated devices are automatically switched to "operational", thereby activating the process data.

Access to the EtherCAT configuration by the application takes place via instances of the EtherCAT master and EtherCAT slave. If the EtherCAT master or EtherCAT slaves are inserted as objects into a project, instances are automatically created for master and slaves which can be addressed in the application program. For example a restart, a stop or a status check of the EtherCAT device can be performed from the application.

Furthermore, the EtherCAT library offers function blocks for the reading and writing of individual parameters, even during bus operation.