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1 Introduction
NJ/NX-series CPU Unit Built-in EtherCAT Port User’s Manual (W505)
1-1 Introduction to EtherCAT
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1-1-3 EtherCAT Features for NJ/NX-series CPU Units
EtherCAT in the NJ/NX-series CPU Units has the following features.
The period of sequence processing and motion processing in the CPU Unit matches the process data
communications cycle of EtherCAT.
This enables high-precision sequence control and motion control with a stable fixed period.
Also, with the NX701 CPU Unit, slaves to be synchronized can be divided into two groups with different
process data communications cycles. This means that slaves are separately processed in one group
that needs high-speed communications and the other that needs not.
EtherCAT slaves are accessed using device variables that are assigned to the I/O ports of the Ether-
CAT slaves. Various types of data in Servo Drive and the encoder input slaves are accessed using
structure-type Axis Variables prepared in advance.
This enables access to slaves on EtherCAT without regard to addresses.
You can use the NJ/NX-series Machine Automation Controllers together with Sysmac devices* and the
Sysmac Studio Automation Software to achieve optimum functionality and ease of operation.
* “Sysmac devices” is a generic name for EtherCAT slaves and other OMRON control components that were
designed with the same communications and user interface specifications.
1-1-3 EtherCAT Features for NJ/NX-series CPU Units
Synchronization of the CPU Unit Processing Period and the
EtherCAT Communications Cycle
Accessing Data with Device Variables without Considering
Addresses
Optimum Functionality and Ease of Operation Based on Unified
Specifications