Beckhoff hosts 2019 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest in Denver

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Beckhoff hosts 2019 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest in Denver

Beckhoff hosts 2019 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest in Denver

Technical Articles
Dec 12,19

Numerous ETG member companies met for the 2019 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest, which was hosted in Denver (Colorado) by Beckhoff Automation.

Beckhoff hosts 2019 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest in Denver

The 2019 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest from the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) recently took place in Denver (USA). Numerous well-known manufacturers of EtherCAT devices came together over two days to test the interoperability of their products in one network with devices from other manufacturers and to exchange ideas with the EtherCAT experts on site.

Numerous ETG member companies met for the 2019 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest, which was hosted in Denver (Colorado) by Beckhoff Automation. With more than 35 participants, the event was a great success. In addition to the highly productive learning environment, the participants particularly liked the fact that they were able to meet so many high-ranking manufacturers of EtherCAT devices.

The participants tested a total of seven controllers from different manufacturers and 16 EtherCAT field devices, and three different tools were also used. In addition to extensive interoperability tests, many discussions took place with the EtherCAT experts in attendance. The opportunity to exchange technical ideas during the development phase is one of the major benefits of EtherCAT Plug Fests.

“The 2019 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest was very productive and successful for everyone involved. The ETG was glad to welcome many new Plug Fest participants as well as those who have attended multiple events,” said Robert Trask, P.E., North American Representative for ETG.

One of the participants said, "It was my first time at an EtherCAT Plug Fest in North America. Everything was very well organised and I'm impressed that so many well-known ETG members were there."

And another added, "The Plug Fest was a great opportunity to test the interoperability of numerous field devices all at once. Although we have been using the same EtherCAT controller for many years, there’s always something new to learn."

The EtherCAT Technology

Group is an organisation in which key user companies from various industries and leading automation suppliers join forces to support, promote and advance the EtherCAT technology. With over 5,350 members from 65 countries the EtherCAT Technology Group has become the largest fieldbus organisation in the world. Founded in November 2003, it is also the fastest growing fieldbus organisation.

EtherCAT is the industrial Ethernet technology which stands for high-performance, low-cost, easy to use with a flexible topology. It was introduced in 2003 and has been an international IEC standard and a SEMI standard since 2007. EtherCAT is an open technology: anyone can implement or use it.