EtherCAT Master Chip

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for EtherCAT Master Chip

Definition

The EtherCAT Master Chip is a dedicated integrated circuit designed to serve as the core processing unit within an EtherCAT controller. Its primary function is to manage the EtherCAT network communication stack, enabling deterministic real-time data exchange in industrial automation systems. The chip generates and processes EtherCAT telegrams, which are data frames that traverse the network and are processed on-the-fly by each connected slave device. It also handles distributed clock synchronization, ensuring precise timing coordination across all nodes, which is critical for applications requiring synchronized motion control or data acquisition. Additionally, the chip manages mailbox communication for parameterization, diagnostics, and configuration of slave devices, as well as the cyclic process data exchange with deterministic timing. The EtherCAT Master Chip is typically used in industrial PCs, PLCs, and motion controllers, where it offloads real-time communication tasks from the main CPU. It supports a variable number of slaves per network segment (128 to 4096 nodes), with cycle times ranging from 0.1 to 10 ms depending on network size and frame size. The communication rate is fixed at 100 Mbit/s per the EtherCAT specification (IEC 61158). On-chip process data RAM ranges from 64 to 512 KB, and the chip operates at a core voltage of 3.3 V ±10% with I/O voltage levels of 3.3 to 5 V. It is designed for industrial temperature ranges (-40 to 85 °C) and offers ESD protection up to ±8 kV (human body model). Package options include QFP-144 to BGA-256, with footprints ranging from 20×20 mm to 17×17 mm. Power consumption varies from 0.5 to 2.5 W depending on active features and clock frequency. Distributed clocks precision is ±100 ns. All listed parameters are reference ranges and must be verified with the manufacturer for specific models and applications.

Working Principle

The EtherCAT Master Chip implements the EtherCAT master protocol stack in hardware and/or firmware. It generates EtherCAT telegrams that are sent through the network. Each slave device reads and writes data on-the-fly as the telegram passes, with minimal delay. The chip manages the distributed clock mechanism for precise synchronization, using a reference clock to align all slaves. It processes mailbox communication for parameterization and diagnostics, and handles the real-time data exchange cycle with deterministic timing. The chip's hardware acceleration ensures low latency and jitter, making it suitable for high-performance automation.

Common Materials

Silicon

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Number of Slaves Supported	128–4096 nodes	Maximum nodes per network segment
EtherCAT Cycle Time	0.1–10 ms	Minimum cycle time depends on number of slaves and frame size
Communication Rate	100 Mbit/s	Fixed at 100 Mbit/s per EtherCAT specIEC 61158
Process Data RAM	64–512 KB	On-chip memory for process data buffers
Operating Voltage	3.3 ±10% V	Core logic supply
I/O Voltage	3.3–5 V	Interface voltage levels
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Industrial temperature rangeIEC 60068-2-14
Power Consumption	0.5–2.5 W	Depends on active features and clock frequency
Package Type	QFP-144–BGA-256 pin	Package options vary by manufacturerJEDEC MS-026
Footprint	20×20–17×17 mm	Body size for QFP-144 to BGA-256
Distributed Clocks Precision	±100 ns	Synchronization accuracy across slavesIEC 61158
ESD Protection	±2–±8 kV	Human body model on I/O pinsIEC 61000-4-2

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

EtherCAT Protocol Processor
Implements the EtherCAT master protocol stack and telegram processing

Material: silicon
MAC Controller
Manages the Ethernet Media Access Control layer for EtherCAT communication

Material: silicon
Distributed Clock Unit
Handles precise clock synchronization across the EtherCAT network

Material: silicon
Memory Interface
Provides interface to external memory for process data and configuration

Material: silicon

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for EtherCAT Master Chip.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

EtherCAT Controller

View system integration details

Manufacturers of EtherCAT Master Chip

Manufacturer profiles associated with EtherCAT Master Chip.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 6 September 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum number of slaves supported by the EtherCAT Master Chip?

According to the reference data, the chip supports 128 to 4096 nodes per network segment. However, the actual number depends on the specific chip model, network configuration, and cycle time requirements. Always verify with the manufacturer's datasheet.

What is the communication rate of the EtherCAT Master Chip?

The communication rate is fixed at 100 Mbit/s as per the EtherCAT specification (IEC 61158). This is a standard rate for EtherCAT networks and is not adjustable.

What is the operating temperature range?

The chip is designed for industrial temperature ranges from -40 to 85 °C, as per IEC 60068-2-14. Ensure that the application environment stays within this range for reliable operation.

What is the distributed clocks precision?

The distributed clocks precision is ±100 ns, as per IEC 61158. This ensures high synchronization accuracy across all slaves, which is critical for coordinated motion control and precise data acquisition.

Data Basis

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Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	N/A (electronic component)
other spec:	EtherCAT cycle time: 100 µs to 10 ms, Network nodes: up to 65,535 devices
temperature:	-40°C to +85°C (industrial grade)

Product Specifications

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