Skip to content
Search AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.

Latest Stories

Press releases are provided by companies as is and have not been edited or checked for accuracy. Any queries should be directed to the company issuing the release.

ETG Releases EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool Version 2.3

Version 2.3 of the EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool is now available to all EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) members via the organization’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB).

ETG Releases EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool Version 2.3
DC Velocity Staff
By DC Velocity StaffJun 09, 2022
DC Velocity Staff
See Full Bio

NUREMBERG, Germany, June 9, 2022 – Version 2.3 of the EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool is now available to all EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) members via the organization’s Technical Advisory Board (TAB). Conformance to a protocol standard is the foundation for problem-free interaction of devices from different manufacturers in the same network. This interoperability is essential for the success of a communication technology. Therefore, the EtherCAT Technology Group attaches great importance to the conformance of EtherCAT devices: All ETG member companies commit to testing their devices with the EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool (CTT) before market release.

Familiar to EtherCAT device manufacturers, the CTT represents the official reference for specification-compliant implementations of EtherCAT technology in EtherCAT field devices. The first version of the CTT was released in 2008, and so far, all updates have proven to be functional extensions and not functional changes. Version 2.3 carries on all functionalities and tests of the first version and underlines the stability of the EtherCAT technology itself, which has only been extended and never changed. This full backward compatibility has proven to be a great advantage for all suppliers and users of EtherCAT solutions.

The CTT extensions, whether in tool functionalities or test coverage, are based on practical requirements as well as feedback from device manufacturers. Over the years, the tool has evolved from a pure test tool that checks conformance after development is completed to a very helpful "development accompanying" software tool that can be used to configure EtherCAT devices, put them into the desired state and specifically stimulate them to behave in certain ways. This continues in the new functionalities. For example, additional user interfaces have been added for controlling and testing specific EtherCAT protocol properties as well as at the lower layers of the ISO/OSI models. The CTT now allows read and write access to the PHY registers, which is rarely supported by other tools. This is a valuable feature especially during initial hardware prototype startup.

All CTT functionalities are accessible for script-based control, and they allow automated test sequences that can be integrated into the overall device acceptance test. Besides the many functionalities supporting the EtherCAT implementation itself, the core of the CTT has also been extended: the test coverage. Many semiconductor device profiles have been added to the standard test set. The coverage for the Servo-Drive-Profile according to IEC 61800-7-2 (the equivalent to CiA DS402) has been significantly increased in scope as well.

A special ETG working group, the Conformance Technical Working Group, defines and releases the test logic and the tests. The CTT software itself, which executes the logic defined in the tests and evaluates the behavior of the EtherCAT devices based on this logic, is developed and maintained by Beckhoff. This ensures continuous further development of the test tool. This includes new functionality with a built-in configurator as well as support for all current Windows operating systems.

https://www.ethercat.org/en/conformance.html
Products
ethercat technology group
Products
ethercat technology group

The Latest

everstream chart of number of containerships off east coast ports
Article

East Coast ports work through hefty backlog of containers

chip cooling plate from Mikros Technologies
Article

Jabil says acquisition cools off the hot chips behind cloud and AI

Logistics activity expanded in September
Featured

Logistics activity expanded in September

logo images of ILA union and USMX dockworkers ports
Article

Strike ends: East Coast dockworkers return to work

More Stories

AML launches StrikerX mobile computer

AML launches StrikerX mobile computer

Richland Hills, Texas, September 12, 2024. AML, a U.S-based manufacturer of barcode data collection products, announces the launch of its latest Android® product, the StrikerX mobile computer.

StrikerX is the evolution of its predecessor, the Striker, but comes equipped with the most powerful processing architecture available for devices in its class, the Qualcomm® QCS6490 processor running Android 13 at 2.7 GHz. Building on the success of the Striker, the new StrikerX maintains the same lightweight and compact form factor but makes a quantum leap in processing power.

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

ships and containers at port of savannah
Article

54 container ships now wait in waters off East and Gulf coast ports

Survey: In-store shopping sentiment up 21%
Featured

Survey: In-store shopping sentiment up 21%

PMA Screen Shot 2023-04-07 at 4.41.00 PM.png
Article

Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach close in flashback to 2015 dockworker strike

Wreaths Across America seeks carriers for December mission
Featured

Wreaths Across America seeks carriers for December mission

Hamilton Caster Appoints Andrew D. Stamp as Director of Sales

Hamilton Caster Appoints Andrew D. Stamp as Director of Sales

Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co., a 117-year-old industry leader in heavy-duty industrial casters, proudly announces the enhancement of its legacy Super Endurance Caster (SEC) series, now rebranded as the Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster (ZFSEC) series. In addition, Hamilton is introducing the all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Caster (ZFSEC2) series, both of which feature a new heavy-duty 'V-Style' seal designed to elevate performance in the most demanding environments.
The Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster (ZFSEC) series replaces Hamilton’s legacy SEC series, setting a new benchmark for kingpinless caster design in extra heavy-duty applications. Central to this upgrade is the heavy-duty 'V-Style' seal, which offers protection against dirt, debris, and moisture. This advanced sealing technology ensures consistent performance and extends the life of the caster, making it the ideal choice for environments where reliability is critical.
"With the introduction of the V-Style seal, the ZFSEC series is engineered to withstand the harshest conditions while providing zero-fix, 100% maintenance-free operation," said Mark Lippert, president of Hamilton Caster. "This enhancement allows our customers to minimize maintenance costs and downtime, further solidifying Hamilton’s reputation for durability and dependability."
The ZFSEC series retains the robust construction that Hamilton is known for, including a swivel top plate and inner raceway made from forged steel, providing superior strength for shock conditions. Sealed precision ball bearings are also now standard in all wheels, contributing to the maintenance-free performance of the series. Notably, the zerk fittings have been eliminated, as the new design makes them unnecessary.
Complementing the ZFSEC series, Hamilton introduces the all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Wheel Caster (ZFSEC2) series. This dual wheel series is engineered for extra heavy-duty applications where stability, durability, and maintenance-free operation are paramount. Like its counterpart, the ZFSEC2 series leverages the new 'V-Style' seal, ensuring that each caster is fully protected against contaminants that could compromise performance.
Combined with sealed precision ball wheel bearings, this caster series ensures zero-fix, 100% maintenance-free performance. The dual-wheel configuration enhances stability and allows for a lower overall height, offering a perfect blend of strength and maneuverability.
Casters in both series are finished in a durable HAA polyester platinum powder coat and are available in a wide variety of wheel types, allowing for customization based on application needs. For complete wheel specs and product details check out the Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster Landing Page and all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Caster Landing Page.

https://www.hamiltoncaster.com/Top-Menu/Resources/New-Products/hamilton-enhances-spinfinity-casters-launches-new-dual-wheel-caster-series

New Horizon Releases Innovative Functionality for Optimizing Inbound Logistics Scheduling at DCs

ACTON, Massachusetts – September 3, 2024 – New Horizon Soft, LLC (https://www.newhorizon.ai), a global leader in AI-powered supply chain planning software, announced today the release of a new version of its Buyers Workbench procurement planning software. The latest version includes the ability to optimally schedule inbound deliveries, taking into account distribution center (DC) receiving capacity, thus minimizing receiving bottlenecks and lowering inbound logistics costs. A research paper describing the innovative methodology and its deployment at an iconic $10B+ U.S. quick-service restaurant chain was recently published in the peer-reviewed academic journal, the International Journal of Operations Research and Information Systems.

Supply chain organizations typically plan purchase orders without regard to DC receiving capacity. This leads to bottlenecks on some days and underutilized staff on others. New Horizon’s methodology, called Master Purchasing Receipt Scheduling (MPRS), uses a novel algorithm to automatically and optimally schedule deliveries. The algorithm plans deliveries at the time of purchase order creation and results in a steady volume of deliveries and lower planning and logistics costs. While first deployed at a restaurant chain, the methodology is applicable to any manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, or foodservice company operating high-velocity DCs.

Keep ReadingShow less
Thinkink Packaging Launches New Line of Custom Frozen Food Boxes to Enhance Product Freshness

Thinkink Packaging Launches New Line of Custom Frozen Food Boxes to Enhance Product Freshness

Pennsylvania, United States – August 2024 – Thinkink Packaging, a leader in innovative packaging solutions, is excited to announce the launch of its new line of Custom Frozen Food Boxes. Designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable and durable packaging in the frozen food industry, these new boxes offer a perfect blend of functionality, quality, and eco-friendliness.

The frozen food market is rapidly expanding, with consumers increasingly seeking convenient, ready-to-eat meals that maintain freshness and quality. Thinkink Packaging’s Custom Frozen Food Boxes are specially engineered to meet these needs, offering superior insulation to preserve product integrity from production to the consumer's freezer.

Keep ReadingShow less
Unlimited Service Group Launches New Repair and Maintenance Management Platform, USG Connect

Unlimited Service Group Launches New Repair and Maintenance Management Platform, USG Connect

ADDISON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Unlimited Service Group, a group of local foodservice equipment repair providers, today announced the launch of USG Connect, an innovative new repair and maintenance management platform designed to streamline and simplify the repair and maintenance of commercial kitchen equipment.

USG Connect provides commercial kitchens with a one-stop solution for hassle-free and scalable equipment service. The exclusive platform offers a user-friendly digital experience that allows restaurants, hospitals, hotels and more, to consolidate and manage their service requests into a single maintenance management system. No matter the size of the organization, USG Connect brings the power of 35+ trusted local service brands with more than 125 locations into a consistent service experience for our customers, ensuring seamless and effective management of all foodservice equipment service requests in one, easy-to-use online platform.

Keep ReadingShow less
Copyright ©2024.