Omron E3NW-ECT User manual

E3NW-ECT
EtherCAT®
Digital Sensor Communication Unit
Operation Manual
E429-E1-07

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or
by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
OMRON.
No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Moreover, because OMRON is
constantly striving to improve its high-quality products, the information contained in this manual is subject to change without
notice. Every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual. Nevertheless, OMRON assumes no responsibility
for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained in
this publication.
©OMRON, 2013
• EtherCAT®is registered trademark and patented technology, licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH, Germany.
• ODVA, CIP, CompoNet, DeviceNet, and EtherNet/IP are trademarks of ODVA.
• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, Excel, andVisual Basic are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
• Sysmac and SYSMAC are trademarks or registered trademarks of OMRON Corporation in Japan and other
countries for OMRON factory automation products.
Other company names and product names in this document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Trademarks

E3NW-ECT
EtherCAT Digital Sensor
Communication
Unit
Operation Manual
Revised December 2017

1
E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit.
This manual contains information you need to know to use the E3NW-ECT.
Before use, please make sure that you thoroughly read the manual and have a full understanding of the
products functions and performance.
After you finished reading this manual, please keep it in a convenient place.
This manual is intended for the following individuals.
Those having electrical knowledge (certified electricians or individuals having equivalent knowledge)
and also being qualified for one of the following:
•Introducing FA equipment
•Designing FA systems
•Managing FA sites
Intended Readers

2E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
How to Read the Manual
This manual's page structure consists of the following.
Page Structure
Indexes
Indicates the chapter number
of the current page.
Icon
(Refer to the following section.)
Clause title
Indicates the clause title
of the current page.
Operation
procedure number
Indicates operation procedure.
Section title
Name of manuals
Clause title
Indicates the chapter title
of the current page.
Section title
Indicates the section title
of the current page.
Chapter title
4 Installation and Wiring
4 - 10 GX-series EtherCAT Slave Unit User’s Manual
4-4 Connecting an External Device
Connect an external device to the I/O terminal of a Slave Unit.
The method of connection differs between Units with screw terminal blocks and Units with e-CON
connectors.
After mounting a crimp terminal to the cable of the external device to be connected, connect it to the
terminal block.
1 Mount the following crimp terminal to the signal line of the cable.
2 Connect the signal line to the terminal block.
Tighten the terminal block screws to the appropriate tightening torque of 0.5 N • m.
The terminal block is removable; remove the left and right screws if it is necessary to remove
the terminal block to connect the signal line.
Precautions for Correct Use
To remove the terminal block from the Slave Unit, loosen the left and right mounting screws
alternately. When mounting the terminal block as well, tighten the left and right screws
alternately.
If you tighten or loosen only one of the screws all the way without tightening or loosening the
other screw using an electric screwdriver, the terminal block will be distorted and cracked.
4-4-1 Connecting to a Screw Terminal Block
6.0 mm max. 6.0 mm max.
φ3.2 mm min.
3.2 mm min.
4 - 11
4 Installation and Wiring
GX-series EtherCAT Slave Unit User’s Manual
4-4 Connecting an External Device
4
4-4-2 Connecting to e-CON Connector Terminals
Connect the dedicated e-CON connector to the cables of the external device to be connected and then
connect it to the connector terminal.
The wire size and sheath diameter of applicable cables vary by the type of e-CON connector.
Use the next table to check that the e-CON connectors to be used conform to the wire size and sheath
diameter of the cables of the connected device.
Tyco Electronics connectors
Sumitomo 3M connectors
Panasonic Electric Works connectors
OMRON connectors
4-4-2 Connecting to e-CON Connector Terminals
Checking the e-CON connector and cable wire size
Model Housing color Applicable wire range
3-1473562-4 Orange Sheath diameter: 0.6 to 0.9 mm
Cross-sectional area: 0.08 to
0.5 mm2
1-1473562-4 Red Sheath diameter: 0.9 to 1.0 mm
1473562-4 Yellow Sheath diameter: 1.0 to 1.15 mm
2-1473562-4 Blue Sheath diameter: 1.15 to 1.35 mm
4-1473562-4 Green Sheath diameter: 1.35 to 1.60 mm
Model Housing color Applicable wire range
37104-3101-000FL Red AWG26 (0.14mm2) to AWG24 (0.2mm2)
Sheath diameter: 0.8 to 1.0 mm
37104-3122-000FL Yellow AWG26 (0.14mm2) to AWG24 (0.2mm2)
Sheath diameter: 1.0 to 1.2 mm
37104-3163-000FL Orange AWG26 (0.14mm2) to AWG24 (0.2mm2)
Sheath diameter: 1.2 to 1.6 mm
37104-2124-000FL Green AWG22 (0.3mm2) to AWG20 (0.5mm2)
Sheath diameter: 1.0 to 1.2 mm
37104-2165-000FL Blue AWG22 (0.3mm2) to AWG20 (0.5mm2)
Sheath diameter: 1.2 to 1.6 mm
37104-2206-000FL Gray AWG22 (0.3mm2) to AWG20 (0.5mm2)
Sheath diameter: 1.6 to 2.0 mm
Model Housing color Applicable wire range
AXF12142 Red AWG22 (0.3mm2) to AWG20 (0.5mm2)
Sheath diameter: 1.2 to 2.0 mm
AXF12146 Yellow AWG28 (0.08mm2) to AWG24 (0.2mm2)
Sheath diameter: 0.7 to 1.2 mm
Model Specification Applicable wire range
XN2A-1430 Spring
clamp type
AWG28 (0.08mm2) to AWG20 (0.5mm2)
Sheath diameter: 1.5 mm max.

3
E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
The meanings of the icons used in this manual are as follows.
Indicates precautions on what to do and what not to do to ensure using the product safely.
Indicates precautions on what to do and what not to do to ensure proper operation and
performance.
This explains useful tips and reference information when using the product.
Icon
Precautions for Safe Use
Precautions for Correct Use
Reference

4E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
Structure of This Manual
This manual consists of the following chapters.
Chapters Contents
Chapter 1 EtherCAT Network Explains about the EtherCAT features and the network
configuration.
Chapter 2 EtherCAT Sensor Communication
Unit Overviews the E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Sensor
Communication Unit and its various types.
Chapter 3 Basic Usage Procedures Explains the setup method and usage procedures by using
simple system setup examples.
Chapter 4 Installation and Wiring Explains how to install Slave Units, and how to connect and
wire the EtherCAT network and power supply.
Chapter 5 EtherCAT Communications Explains the details of EtherCAT communications.
Chapter 6 E3NW-ECT Hardware specifications Explains the E3NW-ECT Hardware specifications.
Chapter 7 E3NW-ECT Functional specifications Explains the E3NW-ECT Functional specifications.
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting and Maintenance This contains troubleshooting and inspection methods intended for individuals to handle abnormalities and
conduct regular inspections.
Appendices Appendices The appendices give an overview of the objects and precautions on their use, and describes the specifications
of the E3NW-DS Distributed Sensor Unit.

5
E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
Terms and Conditions Agreement
Exclusive Warranty
Omron’s exclusive warranty is that the Products will be free from defects in materials and workman-
ship for a period of twelve months from the date of sale by Omron (or such other period expressed in
writing by Omron). Omron disclaims all other warranties, express or implied.
Limitations
OMRON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ABOUT
NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF
THE PRODUCTS. BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT ALONE HAS DETERMINED THAT THE
PRODUCTS WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR INTENDED USE.
Omron further disclaims all warranties and responsibility of any type for claims or expenses based
on infringement by the Products or otherwise of any intellectual property right.
Buyer Remedy
Omron’s sole obligation hereunder shall be, at Omron’s election, to (i) replace (in the form originally
shipped with Buyer responsible for labor charges for removal or replacement thereof) the non-com-
plying Product, (ii) repair the non-complying Product, or (iii) repay or credit Buyer an amount equal
to the purchase price of the non-complying Product; provided that in no event shall Omron be
responsible for warranty, repair, indemnity or any other claims or expenses regarding the Products
unless Omron’s analysis confirms that the Products were properly handled, stored, installed and
maintained and not subject to contamination, abuse, misuse or inappropriate modification. Return of
any Products by Buyer must be approved in writing by Omron before shipment. Omron Companies
shall not be liable for the suitability or unsuitability or the results from the use of Products in combi-
nation with any electrical or electronic components, circuits, system assemblies or any other materi-
als or substances or environments. Any advice, recommendations or information given orally or in
writing, are not to be construed as an amendment or addition to the above warranty.
See http://www.omron.com/global/ or contact your Omron representative for published information.
OMRON COMPANIES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CON-
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY
WAY CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCTS, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT,
WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY.
Further, in no event shall liability of Omron Companies exceed the individual price of the Product on
which liability is asserted.
Warranty, Limitations of Liability
Warranties
Limitation on Liability; Etc

6E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
Omron Companies shall not be responsible for conformity with any standards, codes or regulations
which apply to the combination of the Product in the Buyer’s application or use of the Product. At
Buyer’s request, Omron will provide applicable third party certification documents identifying ratings
and limitations of use which apply to the Product. This information by itself is not sufficient for a com-
plete determination of the suitability of the Product in combination with the end product, machine, sys-
tem, or other application or use. Buyer shall be solely responsible for determining appropriateness of
the particular Product with respect to Buyer’s application, product or system. Buyer shall take applica-
tion responsibility in all cases.
NEVER USE THE PRODUCT FOR AN APPLICATION INVOLVING SERIOUS RISK TO LIFE OR
PROPERTY WITHOUT ENSURING THAT THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO
ADDRESS THE RISKS, AND THAT THE OMRON PRODUCT(S) IS PROPERLY RATED AND
INSTALLED FOR THE INTENDED USE WITHIN THE OVERALL EQUIPMENT OR SYSTEM.
Omron Companies shall not be responsible for the user’s programming of a programmable Product, or
any consequence thereof.
Data presented in Omron Company websites, catalogs and other materials is provided as a guide for
the user in determining suitability and does not constitute a warranty. It may represent the result of
Omron’s test conditions, and the user must correlate it to actual application requirements. Actual perfor-
mance is subject to the Omron’s Warranty and Limitations of Liability.
Product specifications and accessories may be changed at any time based on improvements and other
reasons. It is our practice to change part numbers when published ratings or features are changed, or
when significant construction changes are made. However, some specifications of the Product may be
changed without any notice. When in doubt, special part numbers may be assigned to fix or establish
key specifications for your application. Please consult with your Omron’s representative at any time to
confirm actual specifications of purchased Product.
Information presented by Omron Companies has been checked and is believed to be accurate; how-
ever, no responsibility is assumed for clerical, typographical or proofreading errors or omissions.
Application Considerations
Suitability of Use
Programmable Products
Disclaimers
Performance Data
Change in Specifications
Errors and Omissions

7
E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
Safety Precautions
To ensure safe usage of the EtherCAT Slave Unit, the precautions in this manual are displayed with the
following labels and symbols.
The precautions explained in this section describe important information regarding safety. These
precautions must be followed without fail.
Labels and Meanings to Ensure Safe Usage
Symbols
Thissymbol indicates a prohibited item (an itemyoumustnot
do).
The specific instruction is indicated using text inside the .
The symbol shown to the left indicates "disassembly prohibited".
This symbol indicates caution (warnings included).
The specific instruction is indicated using text inside the .
The symbol shown to the left indicates "typical cautions".
This symbol means it is a compulsory item (an item that must
be done).
The specific instruction is indicated using text inside the .
The symbol shown to the left indicates "typical compulsory
items".
WARNING
Caution
Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
Additionally, there may be severe
property damage.
Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury, or
property damage.

8E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
Do not attempt to take any Unit apart and do not touch the interior of any Unit while
the power is being supplied. Also, do not turn ON the power supply while the cover
is open.
Doing any of these may result in electric shock.
Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify any Units.
Doing any of these may result in electric shock.
Do not input voltages or currents exceeding the rated range to the Unit.
Using voltages or currents exceeding the rated range may cause Unit failure or fire.
Provide safety measures in external circuits (i.e., not in the Units), including the
following items, to ensure safety in the system if an abnormality occurs due to
malfunction of the PLC or another external factor affecting the PLC operation.
("PLC" includes CPU Units, other Units mounted in the PLC, and Remote I/O
Terminals.)
Not doing so may result in serious accidents.
Emergency stop circuits, interlock circuits, limit circuits, and similar safety measures
must be provided in external control circuits, not in the Units.
The PLC will turn OFF all outputs when its self-diagnosis function detects any error
or when a severe failure alarm (FALS) instruction is executed. As a countermeasure
for such problems, external safety measures must be provided to ensure safety in
the system.
The Slave Unit outputs may remain ON or OFF due to deposits on or burning of the
output relays, or destruction of the output transistors. As a countermeasure for such
problems, external safety measures must be provided to ensure safety in the
system.
When the 24-VDC output (service power supply to the PLC) is overloaded or
short-circuited, the voltage may drop and result in the outputs being turned OFF. As
a countermeasure for such problems, external safety measures must be provided to
ensure safety in the system.
Implement proper measures as part of your communications system or in your
program to ensure safety in the system even when a communications error or
malfunction occurs during remote I/O communication.
WARNING

9
E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
The CPU Unit refreshes I/O even when the program is stopped (i.e., even in
PROGRAM mode). Confirm safety thoroughly in advance before changing the
status of any part of memory allocated to I/O Units, Special I/O Units, or CPU Bus
Units. Any changes to the data allocated to any Unit specifically the Special I/O
Units/CPU Bus Units may result in unexpected operation of the loads connected to
the Unit.
•Transferring I/O memory data to the CPU Unit with a Programming Device (PC
tool).
•Changing present values in memory with a Programming Device.
•Force-setting/-resetting bits with a Programming Device.
•Transferring I/O memory files from a memory card or EM file memory to the CPU
Unit.
•Transferring I/O memory from a host computer or from another PLC on a network.
Fail-safe measures must be taken by the customer to ensure safety in the event of
incorrect, missing, or abnormal signals caused by broken signal lines, momentary
power interruptions, or other causes. Not doing so may result in serious accidents.

10 E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
Precautions for Safe Use
Observe the following precautions when using the Unit.
Power Supply
•Always use the power supply voltage specified in this manual. An incorrect voltage may result in
malfunction or burning.
•Take appropriate measures to ensure that the specified power with the rated voltage and
frequency is supplied. Be particularly careful in places where the power supply is unstable. An
incorrect power supply may result in malfunction.
•Always turn OFF the power supply to the PLC, Slave Units and other Units before attempting any
of the following. Not turning OFF the power supply may result in malfunction or electric shock.
•Assembling any Units (Expansion Units).
•Removing or attaching the terminal blocks or connectors to Slave Unit.
•Replacing parts (e.g., relays).
•Setting the DIP switch or the node address switches
•Connecting cables or wiring the system.
Installation
•Before touching a Unit, be sure to first touch a grounded metallic object in order to discharge any
static build-up. Not doing so may result in malfunction or damage.
•Make sure that the terminal blocks, communications cables, and other items with locking devices
are properly locked into place. Improver locking may result in malfunction.
•Mount the Units securely using DIN track.
•Make sure that all Slave Unit mounting screws and cable connector screws are tightened to the
torque specified in this manual. Incorrect tightening torque may result in malfunction.
•Make sure that all terminal block screws are tightened to the torque specified in this manuals.
Incorrect tightening torque may result in fire, malfunction, or failure.
•Always use the specified communications cables and connectors.
•Do not extend connection distances or the number of connected nodes beyond the ranges given
in the specifications.
•When there are multiple systems, keep the cables unbundled and separated by at least 5 mm to
prevent unstable operation due to interference.
Wiring
•Turn the power on after checking that the wiring and switch settings are correct.
•Use the correct wire tools to wire the Unit.
•Confirm the polarity of all terminals before wiring them.
•Do not allow foreign matter to enter the Units when wiring and installing the Units.
•Observe the following precautions when wiring the communications cable.
•Separate the communications cables from the power lines or high-tension lines.
•Do not bend the communications cables past their natural bending radius.
•Do not pull on the communications cables.
•Do not place heavy objects on top of the communications cables.
•Always lay communications cable inside ducts.
•Turn OFF the power of PLC and all the Slave Units before wiring the communication cables.
•Do not apply voltages to the Input Slave Units in excess of the rated input voltage. Excess voltage
or loads may result in burning.

11
E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
•Do not apply voltages or connect loads to the Outputs Slave Units in excess of the maximum
switching capacity. Excess voltage or loads may result in burning.
Handling
•When transporting the product, use special packing boxes, and protect it from being exposed to
excessive vibration or impact during transportation.
•Do not bend cables past their natural bending radius or pull on cables.
•After replacing Units, resume operation only after transferring to the new CPU Unit and/or Special
I/O Units the contents of the DM Area, HR Area, and other data required for resuming operation.
Not doing so may result in unexpected operation.
•Check the user program for proper execution before actually running it on the Unit. Not checking
the program may result in unexpected operation.
•When replacing relays or other parts, be sure to confirm that the ratings of the new part are
correct. Not doing so may result in malfunction or burning.
•Confirm that no adverse effect will occur in the system before attempting any of the following.
•Changing the operating mode of the PLC.
•Setting/resetting any bit in memory.
•Changing the present value of any word or any set value in memory.
•Do not use thinner when cleaning. Use commercially available alcohol.
External Circuits
•Install external breakers and take other safety measures against short-circuiting in external wiring.
Applicable standards
•EN61326-1
•Electromagnetic environment : Industrial electromagnetic environment
(EN/IEC 61326-1 Table 2)

12 E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
Precautions for Correct Use
•Wire all connections correctly according to instructions in this manual.
Failure to install them may result in serious accidents.
•Do not operate the control system in the following locations:
•Location subject to direct sunlight.
•Locations subject to temperatures or humidity outside the range specified in the specifications.
•Locations subject to condensation as the result of severe changes in temperature.
•Location subject to corrosive or flammable gases.
•Location subject to dust (especially iron dust) or salts.
•Location subject to exposure to water, acid, oil, chemicals, etc.
•Locations subject to shock or vibration.
•Always use the DIN Track End Plates that are provided, and make sure that the Unit is mounted
securely to the DIN Track.
•Confirm voltage specifications when wiring communications, the power supply, and I/O crossovers.
Incorrect wire may result in malfunction.
•Wire all connections correctly according to instructions in this manual.
•Use the correct wiring materials to wire the Unit.
•Take appropriate and sufficient countermeasures when installing systems in the following locations:
•Locations subject to static electricity or other forms of noise.
•Locations subject to strong electromagnetic fields.
•Locations subject to possible exposure to radioactivity.
•Locations close to power supplies.
•Do not drop any Unit or subject any Unit to excessive shock or vibration. Otherwise, Unit failure or
malfunction may occur.

13
E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
Conformance to EC Directives
•EMC Directives
EMC Directives
The OMRON products described in this manual are designed so that they individually comply with
the related EMC Directives so that they can be more easily built into other devices or the overall
machine. The actual products have been checked for conformity to EMC Directives (See note)*.
Whether the products conform to the standards in the system used by the customer, however,
cannot be checked by OMRON and must be checked by the customer. EMC-related performance of
the OMRON devices that comply with EC Directives will vary depending on the configuration, wiring,
and other conditions of the equipment or control panel on which the OMRON devices are installed.
The customer must, therefore, perform the final check to confirm that devices and the overall
machine conform to EMC standards.
* Note: Applicable EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) standards are as follows:
EMS (Electromagnetic Susceptibility): EN 61326-1
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference): EN 61326-1
The OMRON products described in this manual comply with the related EMC Directives. To ensure that
the machine or device in which the products are used complies with EC Directives, the products must
be installed as follows:
•The products must be installed within a control panel.
•A DC power supply with reinforced insulation or double insulation that can maintain a stable output
even if the input is interrupted for 10 ms must be used for communications power, internal power, and
I/O power. The OMRON S8JX-series Power Supply is recommended. (See note.)*
•
Products complying with EC Directives also conform to the Emission Standards (EN 61326-1).
Radiated emission characteristics (10-m regulations) may vary depending on the configuration of the
control panel used, other devices connected to the control panel, wiring, and other conditions. You must
therefore confirm that the overall machine or equipment complies with EC Directives.
•Conformance with the EC Directives was confirmed with a system configuration using I/O wiring
lengths of less than 30 m.
* Note: Conformance with the EMC Directive was confirmed when using the recommended power supply.
Applicable Directives
Concepts
Conformance to EC Directives

14 E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
Related Manuals
The following manuals also deal with EtherCAT. Refer to them for details.
Man No. Name of manuals Contents
W487 CJ Series Position Control Units
Operation Manual
Explains the setup and operation procedures of the
EtherCAT Position Control Units (CJ1W-NCx81/x82) which
functions as a master.
W446 CX-Programmer
Operation Manual Explains the operations method of the Windows-based programming tool CX-Programmer.
W500 NJ-series CPU Unit Hardware
User’s Manual
Explains the overall NJ-series System and the following
items for the NJ501 CPU Units.
•Features and system configuration
•Overview
•Part names and functions
•General specifications
•Installation and wiring
•Maintenance and inspection
Use this manual together with the NJ-series CPU Unit
Software User’s Manual (Cat. No. W501).
W501 NJ/NX-series CPU Unit Software
User’s Manual
Explains the following items for NJ-series CPU Units.
•CPU Unit operation
•CPU Unit functions
•Initial settings
•Languages and programming based on IEC 61131-3.
Use this manual together with the NJ-series CPU Unit
Hardware User’s Manual (Cat. No. W500).
W505 NJ/NX-series CPU Unit Built-in
EtherCAT Port User’s Manual
Explains the built-in EtherCAT port.
An overview is provided and the configuration, functions,
and setup are described.
Use this manual together with the NJ-series CPU Unit
Hardware User’s Manual (Cat. No. W500) and the
NJ-series CPU Unit Software User’s Manual (Cat. No.
W501).
W503 NJ/NX-series Troubleshooting
Manual
Explains error management concepts and the individual
errors that are detected by the NJ-series System.
Use this manual together with the NJ-series CPU Unit
Hardware User’s Manual (Cat. No. W500) and the
NJ-series CPU Unit Software User’s Manual (Cat. No.
W501).
W504 Sysmac Studio Version 1
Operation Manual Explains the operating procedures of the Sysmac Studio.
®

1 - 1
1
E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
This chapter explains the overview of EtherCAT network.
1-1 Overview of EtherCAT Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1-1-1 Features of EtherCAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1-1-2 Structure of EtherCAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
1-1-3 Communications types of EtherCAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
1-1-4 Connection Examples of EtherCAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
1-2 Configuration Elements of EtherCAT Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1-2-1 Configuration Devices of EtherCAT Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
1-2-2 Overview of Configuration Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
EtherCAT Network

1 EtherCAT Network
1 - 2 E3NW-ECT EtherCAT Digital Sensor Communication Unit Operation Manual (E429)
1-1 Overview of EtherCAT Networks
EtherCAT (Ethernet Control Automation Technology) is a high-performance industrial network system
based on Ethernet system and can realize faster and more efficient communications.
Each node achieves a short communications cycle time by transmitting Ethernet frames at high speed.
Furthermore, even though EtherCAT is a unique protocol, it offers excellent general-purpose
applicability. For example, you can use Ethernet cables because EtherCAT utilizes standard Ethernet
technology for the physical layer. And the effectiveness of EtherCAT can be fully utilized not only in
large control systems that require high processing speeds and system integrity, but also in small and
medium control systems.
EtherCAT does not send data to individual slave nodes on the network, instead, it passes Ethernet
frames through all of the slave nodes.
When frame passes through a slave node, the slave node reads and writes data in the areas allocated
to it in the frames in a few nanoseconds.
Ethernet frames sent from the EtherCAT Master Unit go through all the EtherCAT Sensor
Communication Units without stopping on the way. Once they reach the final Slave Unit, they are sent
back from the final Slave Unit, pass through all Slave Units again, and return to the EtherCAT Master
Unit.
With this structure, EtherCAT secures high-speed and real-time data transmission.
1-1-1 Features of EtherCAT
1-1-2 Structure of EtherCAT
EtherCAT
Master Unit
Slave Unit Slave Unit Slave Unit
Ethernet frame
IN
OUT
Data
• Reading output data addressed to the local Slave Units
• Writing input data