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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_RT kernel 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.