Blog

March 20, 2023
This article describes how to setting up Real-time Linux and EtherCAT Master on an Advantech Embedded IPC

March 15, 2023
In this blog article, we explain how to build a Real-time Linux Kernel in Ubuntu with PREEMPT_RT

March 7, 2023
We are proud to announce that the acontis EtherCAT Master Software EC-Master now supports the STM32MP135F-DK from STMicroelectronics

March 1, 2023
Ubuntu 22.04 now includes a real-time Linux kernel based on kernel v5.15 with the PREEMPT-RT patch. We take a look at how easy it is to add this real-time Linux kernel, and then test the performance for EtherCAT applications.

November 27, 2022
We are proud to announce that the acontis EtherCAT Master Software EC-Master now supports the BROADCOM® System-on-Chip (SoC) BCM2711 as used on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4).

September 06, 2022
In this blog article, we will take a look at three different EtherCAT Master software stacks. For each option and approach, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages, the main differences between them, and also the expected costs. Included in this comparison is the proprietary solution from acontis technologies the EC-Master and two open source implementations.

August 11, 2021
When using Industrial PCs for control and data acquisition tasks, one of the selection criteria is real-time capability. In this blog we point out possible pitfalls regarding the determinism of IPCs; Furthermore, how to qualify IPCs as well as a variety of pre-qualified out-of-the box solutions.

March 29, 2021
When using EtherCAT technology as a fieldbus, performance often plays a decisive role. On this page we show the performance and measurement results of the EC-Master.

September 22, 2020
More and more applications, especially in the Industrial Automation, Medical and Data Acquisition, and Measurement Markets require deterministic real-time behavior. Windows does not natively support a real-time deterministic operation. However, there are many so-called “Windows real-time extensions” that can provide developers with a solution to take full advantage of Windows functionality while still preserving the real-time requirements of their application.

May 12, 2020
We have created a simple online calculator where you can input a few parameters about your EtherCAT network to see the total communication time. This can be used as the basis for figuring out the fastest possible cycle time for your network. In this blog post we will break down the calculator and walk you through using it.

Apr 3, 2020
In furthering our partnership with Texas Instruments, it is now possible to use the acontis EtherCAT Master software for evaluating and experimenting with EtherCAT Slaves based on TI C2000 microcontrollers.

Nov 1, 2019
EtherCAT provides many useful features for diagnosing problems with the network. We provide a step-by-step guide for how to utilize these features to solve common (and sometimes not so common) problems you might be experiencing.

Oct 28, 2019
The Technical Committee of the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) has accepted EtherCAT G as an addition to the EtherCAT standard.

Sept 19, 2019
As Linux becomes more and more popular as a real-time operating system, we look at how traditional Windows Real-time Extensions compare to acontis LxWin.

July 5, 2019
Microsoft has released their support end of life roadmap for Windows CE (Embedded Compact). Here is a migration path for alternative real-time solutions.