Product category:
Embedded Software and Operating Systems
News Release from: Kuka Controls | Subject: AT-ECAT/embedded
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 25 November 2005
Embedded stack brings fieldbus onboard
The EtherCAT master stack AT-ECAT/embedded from Acontis has been specially optimised for use in embedded operating systems.
Acontis Technologies has developed AT-ECAT/embedded, a portable EtherCAT master stack for embedded operating systems In combination with Kuka Controls' real-time extensions, CeWin and VxWin, AT-ECAT/embedded enables the use of a standard Windows platform as EtherCAT master in a deterministic EtherCAT fieldbus network
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 28 Oct 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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Software brings Windows XP and VxWorks together
VxWin 2.2 is the latest release of the Windows XP extension to VxWorks from Kuka Controls.
Free evaluation for embedded Windows extension
An evaluation copy of the latest release of the CeWin real-time extension platform is available to qualified embedded systems developers from the Kuka Controls website.
The EtherCAT master stack AT-ECAT/embedded from Acontis has been specially optimised for use in embedded operating systems.
The major advantage for users is that the operating systems, VxWorks and Windows CE, will innately support a large number of network cards which can be used with the AT-ECAT/embedded master without modifications or the need for special drivers.
The new Acontis EtherCAT master stack further extends Kuka Controls' position as a technology leader in the industrial automation market.
Further reading
Upgraded cohabitation for XP Embedded and VxWorks
VxWin is a real-time extension that allows Wind River VxWorks and Windows XP to reside concurrently on a single processor.
RTOS extensions find industrial automation niche
Kuka Controls has identified industrial automation as one of the most promising market segments for its real-time operating system enhancement products - CeWin and VxWin.
Software for an Embedded World
Kuka Controls will demonstrate VxWin and CeWin on Booth 121 in Hall 11 at Embedded World in Nuremburg together with its distributor Acontis.
AT-ECAT/embedded supports all the protocols defined in the EtherCAT specification, such as cyclic process data communication, mailbox communication, CANOpen-over-EtherCAT protocol, and Filetransfer-over-EtherCAT protocol.
Because the AT-ECAT/embedded master is 100% compatible with standard Ethernet hardware, customers can quickly extend their range of EtherCAT products.
The implementation of AT-ECAT/embedded makes CeWin or VxWin-based systems the ideal solution for an EtherCAT fieldbus.
The "downward scalability" of Kuka Controls' real-time systems is particularily advantageous: using Windows CE or VxWorks, it is possible to operate a control system even on a small embedded system without or limited graphics, and in addition have the high-end solution with Windows graphics using CeWin or VxWin on a single x86 computer without additional real-time hardware.
Kuka Controls' real-time extensions VxWin 3.1 and CeWin 3.3 allow real-time operating systems, VxWorks and Windows CE respectively, to coexist with Windows XP on a single CPU.
Both Windows XP and the RTOS operate with complete "out-of-the box" functionality, as the extensions do not modify either OS and no adjustments of any kind are required.
Particularly useful is the ability to use all the network cards supported by Windows CE or VxWorks.
In contrast to proprietary real-time extensions, these cards can be used without any modification, thanks to the combination of a standard operating system (VxWorks/Windows CE) with Windows XP.
"Outstanding performance combined with low costs and broad availability are crucial for the high acceptance of the EtherCAT technology".
"Solutions such as the EtherCAT Master AT-ECAT/embedded emphasise this: One software base supporting multiple operating systems, no special hardware for the master is needed".
"This product reveals that EtherCAT helps to realise high-performance scalable systems", says Martin Rostan, Executive Director, EtherCAT Technology Group.
The acceptance of EtherCAT technology is crucial for broad success.
"Solutions such as EtherCAT master AT-ECAT/embedded, which achieve the uncomplicated implementation of EtherCAT in Windows CE, VxWorks and the Kuka real-time extensions CeWin and VxWin, are advancing our technology even further", says Rostan.
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