CPU Load Reduction Techniques
There are several things you can change to reduce the CPU load:
- Reduce the cyclic update rate by increasing the Cycle Time in the EtherCAT***EtherCAT 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 view. This will have the biggest impact to improve the RealTimeMarginThe measured available execution time (equals the Cycle Time Period – EtherCAT network execution time – MotionExecTime – PLCProgExecTime) in each cycle period. Units in microseconds..
- Reduce the number of axes. This will decrease the MotionExecTimeThe measured execution time for the Motion Engine (either PipesNetwork or PLCOpen) in each cycle period. Units in microseconds..
- Distribute the 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 program execution across multiple PLC cycles (see "Define the PLC Cycle"). This will decrease the PLCProgExecTimeThe measured execution time for the PLC application program (either PipesNetwork or PLCOpen) in each cycle period. Units in microseconds..