EtherCAT Diagnostics: Process Data Tab

To access this window: In the EtherCAT Diagnostics, in the EtherCAT Explorer pane, click a device in the list, then click the Process Data tab.

The Process Data tab of the EtherCAT Diagnostics displays in real time the actual values of the process data (variables) that has been configured in the PDO Mapping tab of the EtherCAT Editor. The Process Data tab allows you to chart a value and to force a value.

To view all the process data on the network: In the EtherCAT Explorer pane, click the EtherCAT MainDevice, then select the Process Data tab.

To view the process data for a SubDevice: In the EtherCAT Explorer pane, click the desired SubDevice, then select the Process Data tab.

Viewing the Value of a Process Data Object

In the Variables box, the Value column displays the real-time value of the data.

Forcing the Value of a Variable

In the Variables box, click a row.
In the Edit Variable section, enter a value. Use the Dec and Hex buttons to choose decimal or hexadecimal representation.
Click Force.

In the Variables box, notice that the box in the Force column is checked. The RMC will use the force value.

To remove the force, select the row in the Variables box, then click Release.

Note: Do not close the EtherCAT Diagnostics while forces are active! If the EtherCAT Diagnostics is closed without removing the force, the variable will remain forced until the EtherCAT network restarts, even if the EtherCAT Diagnostics is opened again.

Charting a Variable

In the Variables box, click a row. The Chart will display this value as a trend over time.

Adding to Watch List

The EtherCAT Diagnostics MainDevice has a Watch List tab that displays values in real time. Variables from any SubDevice Process Data tab can be added to the Watch List.

To add an item to the Watch List, in the Variables box, click a row, then click Add to Watch List.

To view the Watch List, click the MainDevice, then select the Watch List tab.

Export the List

Use the Export button the export the list in .csv format. The file will not include the real-time values.