This September, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) conducted two Plug Fests: the 2015 Japanese EtherCAT Plug Fest in Yokohama, Japan, and the 2015 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest in Newark, New Jersey, USA. Both events showed the typical high variety in EtherCAT devices, as well as a high level of system conformance.

The 2015 Japanese EtherCAT Plug Fest was held September 10th and 11th at the facilities of Beckhoff Japan in Yokohama. The ETG was pleased with the improved quality, variety, and functional range of devices at the event, even when compared to the equally impressive results from the year before. In 2015, the Plug Fest had significantly more devices exhibiting advanced features such as highly-precise synchronisation through Distributed Clocks, as well as modular device description (Modules/Slots). Additionally, the number of new and unique EtherCAT Slave Controller (ESC) implementations was deemed remarkable by the attending ETG officials.

Shortly after the Japan event, the 2015 North American EtherCAT Plug Fest took place in Newark, New Jersey, USA. Hosted by ETG member company Panasonic, a wide variety of international and local participants attended the Plug Fest to test their EtherCAT master and slave devices for interoperability. The new version of the EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool (CTT), which is currently in the approval process, garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from all attending slave manufacturers during the testing process. The comprehensive extension of the test coverage gained very positive feedback, as well. This feedback is of particular value for the responsive ETG Conformance Working Group.

Both events were characterised by a great openness, highlighted by the energetic knowledge exchange among the participants. Attendees to both Plug Fests confirmed the value of these events and the opportunity to learn more about the EtherCAT protocol and the ETG itself.

The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) is an association in which key user companies from various industries and leading automation suppliers join forces to support, promote and advance the EtherCAT technology.

EtherCAT is the fastest Industrial Ethernet technology and stands for high-performance, low-cost, ease of use and a flexible topology. It was introduced in 2003 and became an international standard and a SEMI standard in 2007. The EtherCAT Technology Group promotes EtherCAT and is responsible for its continued development. EtherCAT is also an open technology: anyone is allowed to implement or use it.