The foundations of Ethernet for Control Automation Technology (EtherCAT) were established nearly 40 years ago. Today, the Ethernet-based fieldbus system is standardised in IEC 61158 and is indispensable in a wide array of advanced industrial automation applications. Here, Rolf Horn, Applications Engineer at electronic component distributor, Digi-Key Electronics outlines the origins, core elements, timeline & current status of the real-time industrial E
