Fast and reliable communication is essential for modern servo systems. EtherCAT is therefore one of the most widely used industrial Ethernet protocols for motion control.

A key advantage of EtherCAT is its high speed. Unlike traditional Ethernet, all data for the various devices is consolidated into a single network message. This allows devices to read and write their data immediately as the message travels through the network. This minimizes communication delays and ensures very fast cycle times.

In addition, the network structure is simple. EtherCAT devices can be daisy-chained directly one after another, often eliminating the need for additional switches. This makes the network easy to manage and practical for machines and long production lines.

Thanks to this combination of speed, efficient data transfer, and simple network architecture, EtherCAT is ideally suited for applications involving servo drives and high-speed motion control.

In short: EtherCAT is suitable for fast and precise motion control without a complex network structure.

A Delta Electronics servo system can be easily integrated into an existing machine or production line.

With features such as autotuning, commissioning can be carried out quickly and efficiently. This allows the system to be put into operation without lengthy adjustment processes.

Innomotion also provides support in selecting components and during the initial commissioning. If needed, we can do this on-site as well. This ensures that the integration goes smoothly and that the system works properly right away within the existing setup.

If you have any questions during the process, our technical experts are here to provide practical support.

Delta Electronics’ servo systems integrate seamlessly with existing EtherCAT environments. In many cases, the existing program can remain in place, and the use of specific Delta software is not required.

This keeps the integration straightforward and practical, without unnecessary adjustments or additional instructions.

The EtherCAT motion control fieldbus is an open standard that uses an ESI (EtherCAT Slave Information) file to configure the functions and associated object properties of each slave.
An ESI file is typically a standard XML file.

Integration with non-Delta controllers

Import the ESI file from the slave device into the controller software.
This allows the controller to recognize the device and control it according to the configuration in the ESI file.

An ESI file can contain data from multiple devices.

Download the ESI file from the article on our website.

After importing into the controller software, the ESI file is usually saved in the following locations (this may vary):

Beckhoff TwinCAT

• TwinCAT 2: C:\TwinCAT\IO\EtherCAT
• TwinCAT 3: C:\TwinCAT\3.1\Config\Io\EtherCAT

Omron Sysmac Studio

• C:\Program Files (x86)\OMRON\Sysmac Studio\IODeviceProfiles\EsiFiles\UserEsiFiles

Safety Integrated into Your Network (FSoE)

With FailSafe over EtherCAT (FSoE), you can combine motion and safety in a single network.
No separate safety bus is needed, yet you have full control.

Why this matters

• No extra cabling for safety
• Fewer components in your control cabinet
• Simpler installation and maintenance

What this means technically

• Safety and standard data over a single EtherCAT network
• Reliable communication with CRC and timeout monitoring
• Complies with SIL 3 and PL e safety standards

What are the benefits?

• Lower installation costs
• Reduced engineering complexity
• Faster integration of safety into your machine

See below for instructions on connecting a Beckhoff controller to an ASDA-A3 servo from Delta Electronics

Below is an overview of all safety functions of the A3 series servos that comply with the IEC 61508, SIL 3 safety standards.