12 SM-EtherCAT User Guide
www.controltechniques.com Issue Number: 2
4.3 Network topology
Control Techniques recommend implementing daisy chaining on EtherCAT networks
(see Figure 4-1). Other Ethernet network topologies can be used but care must be taken
to ensure that the system still operates within the constraints specified by the designer.
Figure 4-1 SM-EtherCAT daisy chain network topology
4.4 Minimum node-to-node cable length
There is no minimum length of cable recommended in the Ethernet standards. To avoid
possible problems it is recommended that you allow sufficient cable length to ensure
good bend radii on cables and avoid unnecessary strain on connectors.
Master/ PLC Unidrive SP Digitax ST
I/O
SM-
EtherCAT
Commander SK
SM-
EtherCAT
SM-
EtherCAT