It combines high-speed communication and power delivery over a single cable, reducing wiring complexity in factory automation, robotics, and process control.
The EtherCAT P Reference Design by Microchip Technology is a complete engineering resource created to accelerate the development of Ethernet-based industrial communication systems. Released as part of Microchip’s tools and resources library, it provides a consolidated platform that engineers can use to evaluate hardware, firmware, and design documentation for building advanced automation solutions. With industry steadily moving toward highly synchronized and power-efficient networks, the design guide offers a practical pathway for implementing EtherCAT P technology in real-world projects.
Microchip Technology has developed this reference design to demonstrate how EtherCAT P can integrate high-speed communication and device power into a single two-wire cable. EtherCAT P extends the EtherCAT standard by combining data and power, which helps minimize cabling, reduce installation costs, and improve system reliability. The design offers an optimized platform to study real-time communication, power transfer, and synchronization, enabling its use in critical automation and control applications. By packaging tested design files, detailed documentation, and performance results, the reference design simplifies the integration process and shortens development cycles for engineers.
A central strength of the EtherCAT P reference design lies in its ability to deliver deterministic, real-time communication while maintaining efficient power delivery across the same line. It provides a compact and scalable structure, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial embedded systems. Synchronization is handled natively within the protocol, ensuring precise coordination across distributed nodes, which is vital in environments like robotics and motion control. The modular design approach means developers can focus on application-level customization without having to re-engineer fundamental communication and power blocks. Additionally, the guide details how issues such as jitter control, timing, and fault protection are managed, reinforcing system reliability in complex deployments.
In terms of applications, the design is well-suited for factory automation where large numbers of sensors, actuators, and controllers need to be connected with minimal wiring. Robotics is another key area, as EtherCAT P enables tightly synchronized multi-axis control required in advanced robotic arms. The solution is equally relevant to process automation, distributed I/O monitoring, and industrial drives, where precise timing and coordination are critical. Beyond manufacturing, it can also be applied in building automation and energy management systems, where consolidating power and communication over a single line streamlines integration of smart nodes.
The EtherCAT P reference design package comes with comprehensive resources that allow engineers to move quickly from evaluation to deployment. It includes complete schematics, PCB layout files, and supporting documentation, along with firmware examples that illustrate real-time EtherCAT P communication. Performance test results and application notes are also provided, offering guidance on scalability and system customization. All materials are accessible on the company’s website making it straightforward to integrate the reference design into engineering projects.
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