Implementation of multi-axis smart driver system via EtherCAT network based on IEC61800 standard

Industrial network, often referred to as fieldbus, becomes an indispensable component for intelligent manufacturing systems. Thus, in order to satisfy the real-time requirements of field devices such as sensors, actuators, and controllers, numerous fieldbus protocols have been developed. But, the application of fieldbus has been limited due to the high cost of hardware and the difficulty in interfacing with multi-vendor products. Recently, the EtherCAT protocol becomes a very promising alternative for real-time industrial application due to the elimination of uncertainties in Ethernet. This paper focuses on the development of the real-time EtherCAT network for multi-axis smart driver. And IEC 61800 standard is being adapted to connect with products at driver manufacturers. In addition, this paper presents performance evaluation of the synchronization on the experimental EtherCAT test-bed with 6-axis smart driver and data mapping using IEC 61800 power driver system standard.