What Are EtherCAT I/O Modules?
EtherCAT I/O modules are input and output devices that connect to an EtherCAT fieldbus network. A controller sends process data to the modules, and the modules return sensor and status data in the same network cycle. The query has no facts supplied about a specific EtherCAT module, so this page does not state module models, channel counts or timing figures.
Hardware Requirements for EtherCAT Control
An EtherCAT master usually runs on an industrial PC. The master needs a processor with enough cores to run the control software alongside the network stack, and it needs RAM and storage for the application. The Thinvent range has industrial PCs with 6-core and 12-core Intel processors and 8 GB to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM. Systems with 512 GB or 1 TB of SSD storage are available for data logging and application files.
| Thinvent Model | Processor | Cores | RAM | Storage | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i5-1240P | 12 | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 IoT Value |
| Industrial PC IPC3 | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD | Ubuntu Linux |
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 32 GB | 1 TB SSD | Ubuntu Linux |
| Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
The listed specifications do not state a network interface count for EtherCAT. The Industrial PC IPC5 with Intel Core i7-1255U is the only model listed with Dual LAN, which is useful for separating the EtherCAT network from a plant or office network.
Use Cases
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Running an EtherCAT master for machine control on a factory floor
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Hosting HMI and supervisory software beside the control application
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Collecting process data from EtherCAT slave devices into local storage
Thinvent Industrial PCs for EtherCAT Applications
Thinvent has the Industrial PC IPC5 and Industrial PC IPC3 for industrial control work. The IPC5 is available with Intel Core i5-1240P, Intel Core i7-1255U and dual LAN options, and the IPC3 is available with Intel Core i3-1215U and Ubuntu Linux. Buyers should confirm the EtherCAT master software and network requirements against the specifications of the chosen model.
