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RT-LAB supports connection to EtherCAT modules via an EtherCAT Master I/O based on the SOEM library (Simple Open EtherCAT Master). Users can have several masters running in the same model/machine as long as they are not part of the same EtherCAT network. For a full list of supported modules, see the list below.

EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is an Ethernet-based fieldbus system, invented by Beckhoff Automation. The protocol is standardized in IEC 61158 and is suitable for both hard and soft real-time computing requirements in automation technology.

Communications Protocols Product Reference > EtherCAT Master > communication-protocols-diagrams_EtherCAT Master.png

Software Platform Compatibility

Product Selection Guide

note

Click here for list of supported Beckhoff EtherCAT couplers.

The EtherCAT Master protocol requires one software license OP3112 per EtherCAT coupler (see coupler compatibility table in documentation).

All OPAL-RT simulators come with one available physical Ethernet port for this application, but if more physical Ethernet ports are required, kits are available.
Note that for applications requiring many Ethernet ports, the OP4510 and OP4512 simulators are not recommended.

Type	Description	Product Number	Simulator Compatibility
Type	Description	Product Number	OP4510v2 OP4512 OP4610XG	OP5033XG	OP5600v2 OP5650	OP5700 OP5705XG OP5707XG
Driver	Driver license for EtherCAT Master protocol (one license per EtherCAT coupler EKxxxx, see list here). Note that if additional Ethernet ports are required, the kit/adapter below may need to be added.	OP3112	YES	YES	YES	YES
Add-on module	Dual-port PCIe X1 Gigabit Ethernet Kit for OP4xxx Series of Real-Time Simulators. This add-on module is required for the OP4610XG simulator*.	OP3821-4610	OP4610XG
Add-on module	Dual-port PCIe X1 Gigabit Ethernet Kit for OP4xxx Series of Real-Time Simulators*. Can be added if more physical Ethernet ports are required.	OP3821	OP4510v2 OP4512
Add-on module	Intel I350T4V2 Quad Port Ethernet Server Adapter 10/100/1000 Mbps for OP5xxx Series of Real-Time Simulators*. Can be added if more physical Ethernet ports are required.	I350T4V2BLK		YES	YES	YES

* Available PCIe slot required. Note that OP4510 and OP4512 simulators only have one PCIe slot.