EC-Engineer V4.0: New Features

The version 4 of the EC-Engineer received a significant rework and update of the user interface, which combines several benefits for users and operators:

• Direct selection of the key use-cases from the start window. The use-case selection has been extended to cover new features of the EC-Engineer especially when used in combination with the powerful EC-Simulator for simulation of SubDevices or complete EtherCAT networks.
• Improved usability by enabling a better focus on the most relevant features in any view or tab of the EC-Engineer – e.g. highlighting active buttons, using high-contrast colors for key user elements, removing ornaments which did not prove useful.
• Updated icons and button styles for immediate information on status of the tool, connected MainDevice as well as SubDevices – even when used on modern tablet-style computers with reduced screen size.
• Keep compatibility with modern tools and Windows-software – a similar look and feel helps users to complete tasks faster.
• Apart from the immediately recognizable new look, there are many optimizations done to improve handling and speed up many work-steps – including updated Toolbar to help customers quickly switch between operation modes or several new user menu items.
• We also increased the information shown in many screens – providing relevant information on EC-Engineer functions or EtherCAT data in sight when working with the EC-Engineer, eliminating the need to check the manual or online-help in many cases.

Based on the basic medium access control method used by EtherCAT, the naming for EtherCAT devices was derived therefrom: Master and slave device.
Even though this is solely related to the software of electronic devices, there was never any intent to offend any person or organization. Therefore, the EtherCAT Technology group opted to use new naming for EtherCAT devices – which acontis is implementing into all software and documentation.
Thus, with Version 4.0 the term MainDevice replaces “master” and SubDevice replaces “slave” in the EC-Engineer user interface.

The simulation of EtherCAT SubDevices or entire EtherCAT networks is even easier with the new EC-Engineer version 4.0: For the first time, the EtherCAT Simulation functionality is available as an additional operating mode - and can be activated with only one single click in the toolbar. This enables fast and convenient switching between the all supported operation modes – Configuration, Diagnostics and Simulation – without the need of modifying anything within the project.
The seamless integration of EC-Engineer and EC-Simulator makes these helpful tools even more valuable for the complete development cycle, including  System Engineering Design, Planning, Quality Assurance, Commissioning and Maintenance – offering extensive functions within each single development phase.