At the last technology evening, Kenneth McPherson, managing director of Beckhoff Automation South Africa, presented on the topic ‘EtherCAT as an Enabler for Smart Technologies’. EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is an open, real-time industrial Ethernet technology, invented by Beckhoff Automation. The protocol is standardised in IEC 61158 and is suitable for both hard and soft real-time computing requirements in automation technology.
Generally, a bus system is one of the core components of the control system architecture. It helps define the system performance, determines the choice of suppliers/components and subsequently the overall cost of the control system amongst others. The three main performance challenges of any real-time communication are bandwidth utilisation, stack delays and switch delays. With EtherCAT’s technology performance breakthrough, these problems are resolved.
Ann de Beer (left) presents Kenneth McPherson with the SAIMC certificate.
Topics covered by Kenneth included:
• Why is the Fieldbus so important?
• Ethernet for real-time communication.
• The game changer: a unique functional principle.
• Stable technology in a fast changing world.
• Time sensitive networking.
• EtherCAT and TSN: best of both worlds.
• EtherCAT enabled Industry 4.0: a practical example, ‘Enabling Machine Builders with EtherCAT’.
EtherCAT provides competitive advantages in areas such as precision manufacturing, throughput, efficiency, truly open architecture and reliability. The EtherCAT Technology Group is the largest of the industrial Ethernet organisations and currently has 4835 members worldwide.
The branch thanks Kenneth for this informative presentation.
Bridging the digital gap in industrial systems SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
Industrial engineers, digital transformation leaders, and operations managers are invited to an exclusive knowledge-sharing event designed to tackle the complexities of digitising large-scale systems.
Read more...SAIMC Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the June Technology Evening. The presentation covered HVAC systems through the lens of instrumentation, highlighting how sensor technologies form the backbone of effective monitoring and control, allowing for effective energy efficiency.
Read more...SAIMC Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted its latest technology meeting on 4 June.The event drew a strong turnout, highlighting the keen interest in the topic ‘Understanding Level Measurement: Contact vs Non-Contact Methods’.
Read more...SAIMC at KITE 2025
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control Engineering (SAIMC) invites you to connect with us at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July 2025.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council annual summit SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council is proud to present the 2025 Annual Summit, formerly known as the MESA Africa Summit. The theme is ‘Mining and manufacturing in South Africa: SMART operations in a disruptive world economy’.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC was pleased to welcome Vusi Sithole, managing member of Hybrid Control Corporation in Richards Bay, who presented\on the very pertinent topic of ‘Infrastructure monitoring and control for water loss management’.
Read more...SAIMC: Sunshine, swings and smiles: Durban Golf Day hits a high note Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
SAIMC
We say it every year, and we’ll say it again: May in Durban is hard to beat; but 9 May, when the Durban Golf Day teed off at Kloof Country Club, was something else. With sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 20s, it was a fantastic day, full of fun and great energy.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event: Bridging the industry/education divide
SAIMC
Horst Weinert, head of Didactic at Festo Southern/Eastern Africa, will be sharing some of Festo’s Didactic experiences of working across industry and education. He will cover training for productivity and employability in the public and private sectors, discussing especially the potential for inter-company training centres.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version