Overview: Map Input & Output to Variables

I/O from the EtherCATEtherCAT is an open, high-performance Ethernet-based fieldbus system. The development goal of EtherCAT was to apply Ethernet to automation applications which require short data update times (also called cycle times) with low communication jitter (for synchronization purposes) and low hardware costs motion bus or the controller is easily mapped to PLC"Programmable Logic Controller" A Programmable Logic Controller, PLC, or Programmable Controller is a digital computer used for automation of industrial processes, such as control of machinery on factory assembly lines. Used to synchronize the flow of inputs from (physical) sensors and events with the flow of outputs to actuators and events variables through the Project Explorer. The exact process will vary slightly depending on the device.

1. Expand the Controller, and EtherCAT nodes in the Project tree.
2. Double-click on the device or I/O slice entry.
3. Map the variables in any of three ways:
   • Drag and drop variables from the Dictionary.
   • Use the PLC Variable Creation Wizard for Kollmorgen devices.
   • Directly map/unmap the inputs and outputs using the PLC Variable Selector.

See Map Input and Output to Variables for more in-depth information.