Unknown – Missing ESI File

The Discovered Devices and Modules view will identify a device as "Unknown" if a corresponding ESI file is not found during the Scan for physical 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 devices. For example, the last three devices are missing ESI files:

Click on the Ok button and the Unknown devices will be added to the Project View:

To correct the problem: 

1. Double-click on the “Unknown” device in the Project View or right-click and select Properties.
2. From the General Properties view, identify the Vendor, Product Code, and Revision Number.
   
3. Contact the vendor for the EtherCAT ESI file for this device.

   The vendor may provide an ESI file that supports multiple devices or they may provide a separate ESI file for each device.

4. Import the ESI file using the Import ESI File button and the device specific information will be automatically updated in the Project View and General Properties.