Beckhoff Launches EtherCAT Video Series: Free Training for the Industrial Ethernet That Moves 2,000 Devices in 30 Microseconds

Beckhoff Automation has launched a free video series providing step-by-step training on EtherCAT, the industrial Ethernet protocol that synchronises up to 2,000 devices with microsecond precision. The Silicon Review examines how the company that invented EtherCAT in 2003 is making its expertise accessible to a new generation of automation professionals.

Beckhoff Automation, the inventor of EtherCAT, is making its expertise accessible to everyone. The German automation giant has launched a free video series designed to demystify the industrial Ethernet protocol that has become the backbone of modern factory automation.

The video series covers everything from EtherCAT fundamentals to advanced diagnostics, distributed clocks, and integration with Beckhoff's TwinCAT automation software. It is part of a broader effort to equip engineers, integrators, and automation professionals with the skills needed to design and maintain high-performance control systems.

EtherCAT, which stands for Ethernet for Control Automation Technology, was invented by Beckhoff in 2003. The protocol enables real-time communication between controllers and field devices with microsecond cycle times, supporting up to 2,000 digital I/O devices in a single network. In 2004, Beckhoff founded the EtherCAT Technology Group, which now has thousands of members worldwide and holds the rights to the open technology.

"EtherCAT is an ethernet-based fieldbus communication system invented by Beckhoff Automation in 2003," explains Chris Chiarella, TI EtherCAT product manager, in the introductory video. "Beckhoff is the developer of the EtherCAT master application TwinCAT as well as the Slave Stack Code Tool."

The new video series is available through Beckhoff UK's Virtual Visits platform, a curated collection of expert-led video sessions covering safety, motion control, vision systems, EtherCAT diagnostics, and TwinCAT HMI . The EtherCAT video series joins an expanding library of free educational resources, including webinars on system-integrated measurement solutions and the ELM I/O terminal series.

"The ED series combines the proven EtherCAT performance with advanced functions such as an updated design, tool-free push-in installation, and app-supported diagnostics via Data Matrix code," according to Beckhoff's product description. The ED series is a technological upgrade for the entire I/O portfolio, designed to simplify installation and commissioning while maintaining EtherCAT's industry-leading real-time performance.

The timing of the video series launch is significant. Industrial Ethernet protocols are rapidly replacing traditional fieldbuses in factories worldwide. EtherCAT, with its microsecond-level synchronization and topology flexibility, is increasingly preferred for demanding applications like robotics, motion control, and high-speed packaging lines.

Here is the question this video series raises. Beckhoff invented EtherCAT, founded the EtherCAT Technology Group, and still holds the intellectual property rights. It is now giving away training that could help competitors build EtherCAT devices. When a company gives away the knowledge that makes its ecosystem valuable, is it building a moat around its customers or just giving away the crown jewels?

The video series comes as Beckhoff continues to innovate its I/O portfolio. The company's ED series EtherCAT Terminals combine proven performance with push-in installation, app-supported diagnostics via Data Matrix code, and an updated design. The EP741x MDR controllers, which enable conveyor systems with sub-millisecond update rates, were also featured in a recent video demonstration.

As Beckhoff launches its EtherCAT video series and makes free training available to automation professionals, The Silicon Review asks a final question. When a company that owns a technology standard gives away the training to use it, is it securing its future or just making sure the next generation of engineers knows its name?

FAQ:

Q: What is the Beckhoff EtherCAT video series about?
A: The Beckhoff EtherCAT video series is a free training resource covering EtherCAT fundamentals, diagnostics, distributed clocks, and integration with TwinCAT automation software, designed for engineers and automation professionals.

Q: What is EtherCAT and who invented it?
A: EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is an industrial Ethernet protocol invented by Beckhoff Automation in 2003 for real-time communication between controllers and field devices.

Q: Who is the EtherCAT video series for?
A: The video series is designed for engineers, integrators, automation professionals, and students who want to learn about EtherCAT and how to design and maintain high-performance control systems.

Q: Is the Beckhoff EtherCAT video series free?
A: Yes, the EtherCAT video series is available for free through Beckhoff UK's Virtual Visits platform.

Q: What is the EtherCAT Technology Group?
A: The EtherCAT Technology Group was founded by Beckhoff in 2004 to promote the use of the EtherCAT protocol and holds the rights to the open technology. It has thousands of members worldwide.