Master Software
Sample content. Replace with the real product description and feature list.
The EtherCAT Master Software is a Linux library and runtime that turns a standard Linux machine into a fully featured EtherCAT master. It manages the network, exchanges cyclic process data, and exposes a clean C++ API for your control application.
Highlights
- Pure Linux - runs on standard distributions; pairs well with a
PREEMPT_RTkernel for real-time performance. - Modern C++ API - a small, header-based interface for configuring the network and exchanging process data.
- Deterministic cyclic exchange - drive your control loop at a fixed cycle time.
- Device discovery - scan the bus and map devices to your process image.
Architecture
+---------------------------+
| Your control app (C++) |
+-------------+-------------+
| C++ API
+-------------v-------------+
| EtherCAT Master Library |
+-------------+-------------+
| raw Ethernet
+-------------v-------------+
| NIC --> EtherCAT bus |
+---------------------------+
Where to next
- Follow the Getting Started guide for installation and a C++ hello-world example.