Connect standard I/O terminals to a PC’s network port, select relevant signals, and record data to files—without needing deep knowledge of EtherCAT
The goal is simple: connect standard I/O terminals to a PC’s network port, select relevant signals, and record data to files—without needing deep knowledge of EtherCAT. Users can focus on their measurement work without fieldbus expertise.
Configure channels, set logging options, and start recording. Live data appears in a table view and time-based plots for signal monitoring. Typical use cases: lab setups for prototype measurements, sensor validation during commissioning, retrofits adding new sensor technology to established equipment. Suitable wherever PC-based measurements are a good fit.
Benefits come from the EtherCAT backbone: a single bus for many signal types—analog, digital, temperature, strain/bridge, counters, and more—with simple wiring, modular expansion, and easy distribution of I/O close to sensors via the industrial Ethernet fieldbus. This enables flexible, cost-effective combinations of I/O with integrated signal conditioning on industrial-grade hardware. CATLogger Easy is aimed at Beckhoff Automation EtherCAT I/O terminals for their wide product range and simple, modular concept, but the software is not limited to them.
What it is:
- Desktop data-logging software for EtherCAT fieldbus-based I/O
- Channel-centric configuration with names, units, and linear two-point scaling
- Live table view and time-based plots for signal monitoring while recording
- Aimed at Beckhoff EtherCAT I/O terminals; not limited to them
Where to use it:
- Lab setups for prototype and development measurements
- Sensor characterization and validation on benches
- Machine commissioning with temporary measurement needs
- Retrofits adding new sensors to established equipment
- Quality checkpoints and production support logging
- General PC-based measurement tasks in engineering and testing
Why use it:
- EtherCAT fieldbus: one bus for many signal types with simple wiring
- Flexible, cost-effective I/O combinations with integrated signal conditioning
- Industrial-grade hardware fit (DIN-rail, modular expansion)
- Easy to use: scan, select channels, scale, record
See also: EtherCAT Library for LabVIEW
EtherCAT is an open Ethernet-based fieldbus technology (see Wikipedia).
COMING SOON
I have no knowledge of EtherCAT. Can I use the software without learning the fieldbus first?
Yes. No EtherCAT knowledge is required. The software hides the protocol details—connect hardware, configure channels, start measuring.
Do I need special hardware to connect to EtherCAT devices?
No. A standard Ethernet network adapter (NIC) is sufficient.
It is aimed at Beckhoff I/O terminals. Can other hardware be used?
Yes. The software is aimed at Beckhoff terminals but is not limited to them. Subdevices are described via configuration; additional subdevices can be added to the default config.
Can any EtherCAT hardware be used?
Not all. CATLogger Easy focuses on simplicity: subdevices that rely on the Modular Device Profile are not supported, and subdevices that require Distributed Clocks (DC) are not supported due to Windows-based timing.
The software uses Windows timing. Will there be jitter in logging?
Yes. Timing is not deterministic on Windows. The OS scheduler and background activity can introduce jitter.
What is a realistic logging interval to expect?
On a modern Windows PC that isn’t CPU-saturated, a 100 ms cycle time is typically robust. Around 20 ms is often stable in practice, but brief interruptions can occur (e.g., driver activity, antivirus scans, paging, or other system tasks).
Logging to a file does not meet my needs. Are there other options?
We are happy to receive any feedback and ideas on how to expand the software.
