Annex
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PC Cards cifX PCI, PCIe, Low Profile PCIe | Installation, Operation and Hardware Description
DOC120204UM36EN | Revision 36 | English | 2012-10 | Released | Public
© Hilscher, 2008-2012
11.2.2 Conformance
EtherCAT Devices have to conform to the EtherCAT specifications. The
EtherCAT Conformance Test Policies apply, which can be obtained from
the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG,
www.ethercat.org
).
Hilscher range of embedded network interface products are conformance
tested for network compliance. This simplifies conformance testing of the
end product and can be used as a reference for the end product as a
statement of network conformance (when used with standard operational
settings). It must however be clearly stated in the product documentation
that this applies to the network interface and not to the complete product.
Conformance Certificates can be obtained by passing the conformance test
in an official EtherCAT Conformance Test lab. Conformance Certificates
are not mandatory, but may be required by the end user.
11.2.3
Certified Product vs. Certified Network Interface
The EtherCAT implementation may in certain cases allow one to modify the
behavior of the EtherCAT network interface device in ways which are not in
line with EtherCAT conformance requirements. For example, certain
communication parameters are set by a software stack, in which case the
actual software implementation in the device application determines
whether or not the network interface can pass the EtherCAT conformance
test. In such cases, conformance test of the end product must be passed to
ensure that the implementation does not affect network compliance.
Generally, implementations of this kind require in-depth knowledge in the
operating fundamentals of EtherCAT. To find out whether or not a certain
type of implementation can pass conformance testing and requires such
testing, contact EtherCAT Technology Group (“ETG”,
www.ethercat.org
)
and/or your nearest EtherCAT conformance test centre. EtherCAT may
allow the combination of an untested end product with a conformant
network interface. Although this may in some cases make it possible to sell
the end product without having to perform network conformance tests, this
approach is generally not endorsed by Hilscher. In case of questions,
contact Hilscher and/or your nearest ETG representative.
11.2.4
Membership and Network Logo
Generally, membership in the network organization and a valid Vendor-ID
are prerequisites in order to be able to test the end product for
conformance. This also applies to the use of the EtherCAT name and logo,
which is covered by the ETG marking rules.
Vendor ID Policy accepted by ETG Board of Directors, November 5, 2008
