Difference between Ethernet and EtherCAT
When selecting a servo drive for your motion control application, understanding the difference between Ethernet servo drives and EtherCAT servo drives is crucial to ensure performance, compatibility, and scalability.
Ethernet Servo Drives
Ethernet servo drives use standard TCP/IP communication protocols over Ethernet. They are ideal for applications that require basic network connectivity, and PC control
Key Characteristics:
Uses standard Ethernet (TCP/IP, UDP)
Easy to integrate with general-purpose networks
Suitable for non-real-time or lightly time-sensitive applications
PC-Control capable, e.g. from your PC on IPC or a Raspberry pi
- Programmed with Python, C#, C++ almost no limits here
Use Cases: Basic automation, Engineering mock-ups up to complicated multi axis systems
EtherCAT Servo Drives
EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) servo drives are designed specifically for real-time industrial automation. They offer ultra-fast communication, precise synchronization, and deterministic behavior.
Key Characteristics:
Real-time, deterministic communication with minimal jitter
Sub-millisecond cycle times for rapid motion updates
Supports distributed clocks for tight multi-axis synchronization
Designed for complex and high-speed automation systems
Use Cases: CNC machines, robotics, multi-axis systems, time-critical motion control