Multiple EtherCAT Masters

[Shazlan]

Hi all,

I'm currently using a cRIO-9074 to control my system. Now, we have a requirement to integrate our system with some automation, controlled by a Beckhoff controller. The proposed and agreed communication method between these two devices is via EtherCAT. However, I just realized that cRIO-9074 cannot be configured as EtherCAT slave. So now, the question is can I configure the cRIO to accept from multiple masters (cRIO and Beckhoff controller both act as EtherCAT masters)? If this is possible, may I know how?

Thank you.

Shazlan

[whitenoiz]

What kind of data do you need to share with the Beckhoff? If it's just some slowly changing measurement values or system states, maybe OPC might be an option?

[Shazlan]

Some are slow changing (status, alarms, etc.) and some are fast (high priority commands, feedbacks). I've read that Beckhoff has this Ethercat bridge that allow multiple masters but we are not sure whether it can be integrated with NI's or not. Currently, we have opted for OPC (for slow changing) & DIO (for fast changing). 

To start with, is what I wanted to do even possible using EtherCAT technology?

Shazlan

[arn5000ARL]

We have a similar question. 

Any suggestions?

Abdalla

[luisemmi]

Hi all,

Did you manage to implement this EtherCAT multiple masters configuration with a cRio?

Thank you very much.

[Shazlan]

No, we decided not to proceed with this set up and work our way around this (currently using OPC and soon, using Beckhoff's ADS).