What's New in KAS v3.07

KAS v3.07 introduces the following new features.

Modular EtherCAT Topology

A modular approach to machine design has many benefits, including flexibility, scalability, and improved efficiency. Modular machines are split into sub-sections with each sub-section containing all the mechanical and electrical devices, motors, sensors, etc. as well as corresponding application code, to work together to provide a functional segment in the manufacturing workflow. The advantages to modular design are realized when the modules can be re-used. Examples include multiple module instances in the same machine and modules replicated across multiple machines.

This feature lets you maintain and reuse modules, and supports multiple machine variants. This is all done with a single .KAS project file.

See Modular EtherCAT Concept and EtherCAT Devices Backup.

E-Bus Devices

KAS IDE Improvements

  • There is a new setting that saves previous versions of your .kas project files. You may specify how many prior versions should be saved. See Backup File Settings for more information.
  • A retained variable's value may now be copied to the retained variables init value. See Copy a Retained Variable Value to Init Value for more information.
  • Link to KDN template projects page - Custom-built template files with enhanced or specific functionality may be easily downloaded from KDN. The dialog in which you select a template provides a direct link to the template files. See Add the Controller for more information.

Miscellaneous