2.  Terms and Definitions 
 
Explanation and Definition 
PDO Communications 
(Communications using 
Process Data Objects) 
This method is used for cyclic data exchange between the 
master unit and the slave units.   
PDO data (i.e., I/O data that is mapped to PDOs) that is 
allocated in advance is refreshed periodically each EtherCAT 
process data communications cycle (i.e., the period of primary 
periodic task).   
The NJ-series Machine Automation Controller uses the PDO 
Communications for commands to refresh I/O data in a fixed 
control period, including I/O data for EtherCAT Slave Units, and 
the position control data for the Servomotors.   
It is accessed from the NJ-series Machine Automation 
Controller in the following ways.   
・With device variables for EtherCAT slave I/O 
・With Axis Variables for Servo Drive and encoder input slave to 
which assigned as an axis 
SDO Communications 
(Communications using 
Service Data Objects) 
This method is used to read and write the specified slave unit 
data from the master unit when required.   
The NJ-series Machine Automation Controller uses SDO 
Communications for commands to read and write data, such as 
for parameter transfers, at specified times.   
The NJ-series Machine Automation Controller can read/write 
the specified slave data (parameters and error information, etc.) 
with the EC_CoESDORead (Read CoE SDO) instruction or the 
EC_CoESDOWrite (Write CoE SDO) instruction.   
There are various types of slaves such as Servo Drives that 
handle position data and I/O terminals that handle the bit 
signals.   
The slave unit receives output data sent from the master, and 
sends input data to the master.   
A node address is an address to identify a unit connected to 
EtherCAT.   
ESI file 
(EtherCAT Slave   
Information file) 
The ESI files contain information unique to the EtherCAT slaves 
in XML format.   
Installing an ESI file enables the Sysmac Studio to allocate 
slave process data and make other settings.