Ethercat com's between cRIO 9025's

[TLE]

Hello,

I am setting up a control system in which I desire to communicate between two cRIO 9025 controllers via shared variables.  Can EtherCAT be used for this?  Would the controllers be directly connected (with cross-over cable?) or would there be a hub or switch involved?

Also, both controllers need to communicate with an HMI running Windows XP.  I was planning on using the Ethernet port's on the controllers for that.  How do you control what variables are seen on EtherCAT vs. Ethernet?

[Pcorcs · Accepted solution]

Hi,

EtherCAT is a specialized protocol for deterministic Ethernet communication. The 9025 controller may be configured as an EtherCAT Master; however, 2 EtherCAT Masters cannot be connected. The 9025 may be connect to the 9144 expansion chassis for EtherCAT communication.

With 2 controllers, you may use a router for network communications; such that, each controller may host network shared variables. Each controller will act as a separate system on the network, much like a PC network in an office. 

 Hope this helps. Please post back any additional questions.

Cheers!

[TLE]

Thank you, this answers my question.