Commissioning
EL72x1 61Version: 3.3
6.1.3 TwinCAT ESI Updater
For TwinCAT2.11 and higher, the System Manager can search for current Beckhoff ESI files automatically, if
an online connection is available:
Fig.56: Using the ESI Updater (>= TwinCAT2.11)
The call up takes place under:
“Options” → "Update EtherCAT Device Descriptions"
Selection under TwinCAT3:
Fig.57: Using the ESI Updater (TwinCAT3)
The ESI Updater (TwinCAT3) is a convenient option for automatic downloading of ESI data provided by
EtherCAT manufacturers via the Internet into the TwinCAT directory (ESI = EtherCAT slave information).
TwinCAT accesses the central ESI ULR directory list stored at ETG; the entries can then be viewed in the
Updater dialog, although they cannot be changed there.
The call up takes place under:
“TwinCAT“ → „EtherCAT Devices“ → “Update Device Description (via ETG Website)…“.
6.1.4 Distinction between Online and Offline
The distinction between online and offline refers to the presence of the actual I/O environment (drives,
terminals, EJ-modules). If the configuration is to be prepared in advance of the system configuration as a
programming system, e.g. on a laptop, this is only possible in “Offline configuration” mode. In this case all
components have to be entered manually in the configuration, e.g. based on the electrical design.
If the designed control system is already connected to the EtherCAT system and all components are
energised and the infrastructure is ready for operation, the TwinCAT configuration can simply be generated
through “scanning” from the runtime system. This is referred to as online configuration.
In any case, during each startup the EtherCAT master checks whether the slaves it finds match the
configuration. This test can be parameterised in the extended slave settings. Refer to note “Installation of
the latest ESI-XML device description” [}57].
For preparation of a configuration:
• the real EtherCAT hardware (devices, couplers, drives) must be present and installed
• the devices/modules must be connected via EtherCAT cables or in the terminal/ module strand in the
same way as they are intended to be used later
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