Configuration
EK3100
48
Version: 1.5
5.3.5
Packing digital signals
EtherCAT Terminals generally always require 1 full byte for process data. 1 full byte for process data is also
assigned for EtherCAT Terminals, which effectively only have a process data size of 2 or 4 bits.
In order to fill 1 byte completely, the 2- or 4-channel EtherCAT Terminals can be packed. Please ensure that
these EtherCAT Terminals are connected successively and that 1 byte is not exceeded.
The entry EL1xxx or EL2xxx in the GSD file is used for this purpose. The EtherCAT Terminals to be packed
have the entry EL1xxx (pack) or EL2xxx (pack). These EtherCAT Terminals then have no data. The data are
added to the preceding terminals in the byte.
Example:
Three EL1002 (each with 2 channels) are connected consecutively. In this example one EL1xxx can be
configured and two EL1xxx (pack).
The process data for these EtherCAT Terminals then are as follows:
First EL1002:
x.0 and x.1
Second
EL1002:
x.2 and x.3
Third EL1002: x.4 and x.5
Requirements
• The EtherCAT Terminals must be connected consecutively.
Pack digital signals as follows:
1. Right-click on
Box 1 (GSD) (EK3100)
on the left in the tree view.
2. Click on
Add New Item
in the context menu.
The Insert Module window appears.
3. Select the terminal
EL1xxx
.
The EtherCAT Terminal is added in TwinCAT.
4. Then select the terminal
EL1xxx (pack)
and enter the value "2" under the option
Multiple
.
ð
Three EL1002 EtherCAT Terminals were added in TwinCAT. The data of the two EL1xxx (pack) are
added to the preceding EtherCAT Terminal in the byte.
In the example a further EL1002 can be connected to fill the byte. Or other 2-channel input terminals can
be used. It is important that they have the same mapping. It is also possible to mix 2-channel and 4-
channel EtherCAT Terminals, as long as 1 byte is not exceeded.
