To ensure long-term reliability it is recommended that any cables used to connect a
system together be tested using a suitable Ethernet cable tester, this is of particular
importance when cables are constructed on site.

4.1.3

Cable

Cables should be shielded and as a minimum, meet TIA Cat 5e requirements.

4.1.4

Maximum network length

The main restriction imposed on Ethernet cabling is the length of a single segment of
cable. The SM-EtherCAT module has two 100BASE-TX Ethernet ports, which support
segment lengths of up to 100m. This means that the maximum cable length which can
be used between one SM-EtherCAT port and another 100BASE-TX port is 100m
however it is not recommended that the full 100m cable length is used. The total
network length is not restricted by the Ethernet standard but depends on the number of
devices on the network and the transmission media (copper, fiber optic, etc.).

4.2

Module grounding

SM-EtherCAT is supplied with a grounding tag on the module that should be connected
to the closest possible grounding point using the minimum length of cable. This will
greatly improve the noise immunity of the module.

Cabling issues are the single biggest cause of network downtime. Ensure cabling is
correctly routed, wiring is correct, connectors are correctly fitted and any switches or
routers used are rated for industrial use. Office grade Ethernet equipment does not
generally offer the same degree of noise immunity as equipment intended for industrial
use.

NOTE

The EtherCAT system designer must consider the impact that the selected network
structure will have on performance.

NOTE