RocketTester
Member
We selected Beckhoff's EtherCAT for our new rocket test sequencer design in 2004. At that time, they had only prototype FPGA modules w/ 2 chan analog. The final designs with ASIC chips were expected late 2005. We have been waiting patiently. The E-bus modules have been in the catalog for years. Some were just imaginary (EL3108 8 chan, 16-bit). Beckhoff is not alone. At the same time GE Fanuc showed a PAC system that was only drawings and apparently never existed.
In the interim, I had to field a system with older K-bus modules, but we need <1 ms response for some tests. We now have all parts but ES3104 modules. It appears all 16-bit analog in modules have slipped from 3rd to 4th qtr 2009. If true, no problem, but these slips have been regular since 2006. Last year, our salesman said they were available in Europe and UL approval was the delay. We said "don't need it, ship our stuff". Perhaps, not true of 16-bit. Has anyone seen these modules in Europe? Any word of a design hangup and we must accept 12-bit? We have received our 16-bit Analog Out modules.
Otherwise, no problems. Our software has been ready since 2005. The system works, we just need the speed. Until then, our very old and unreliable HP2100 computers still sequence most tests.
In the interim, I had to field a system with older K-bus modules, but we need <1 ms response for some tests. We now have all parts but ES3104 modules. It appears all 16-bit analog in modules have slipped from 3rd to 4th qtr 2009. If true, no problem, but these slips have been regular since 2006. Last year, our salesman said they were available in Europe and UL approval was the delay. We said "don't need it, ship our stuff". Perhaps, not true of 16-bit. Has anyone seen these modules in Europe? Any word of a design hangup and we must accept 12-bit? We have received our 16-bit Analog Out modules.
Otherwise, no problems. Our software has been ready since 2005. The system works, we just need the speed. Until then, our very old and unreliable HP2100 computers still sequence most tests.