EtherCAT Technology Group assigns the 4000th vendor ID to provide precise guidelines

By OEM Update Editorial May 7, 2024 6:09 pm

The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) has assigned the 4000th EtherCAT Vendor ID, highlighting the diversity of EtherCAT producers. ETG assigns these IDs and provides detailed instructions for their use, ensuring uniform and reliable interoperability with EtherCAT requirements.

With the assignment of the 4000th EtherCAT Vendor ID, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) emphasises the exceptional diversity of EtherCAT producers. Manufacturers of EtherCAT devices must have a Vendor ID, which allows those devices to be individually identified and assigned worldwide.

EtherCAT device must bear its manufacturer’s unique Vendor ID. The ETG alone assigns EtherCAT Vendor ID numbers and offers detailed instructions for their use. This ensures that EtherCAT products interoperate uniformly and reliably in line with the EtherCAT requirements, which is confirmed by testing with the official EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool.

Oliver Fels, who is responsible for Vendor ID at ETG, explains: “Every manufacturer of an EtherCAT device must be a member of the ETG and have a valid Vendor ID. This must be implemented in every EtherCAT device before it is launched on the market. Users of EtherCAT devices such as machine builders, OEMs or system integrators do not need a Vendor ID.”

The allocation of an EtherCAT Vendor ID is free of charge, as is ETG membership. This underlines the openness of the technology. ETG members can apply for the Vendor ID online via the EtherCAT Technology Group website.