Industrial EtherCAT to CAN Converters – Connecting EtherCAT Systems with CAN Devices

Industrial EtherCAT to CAN converters are communication gateways designed to enable reliable data exchange between high-performance EtherCAT automation systems and devices operating on the CAN (Controller Area Network). These converters allow EtherCAT-based controllers to communicate directly with CAN sensors, actuators, drives and distributed field devices.

Solutions offered by Consteel Electronics are developed for industrial environments where real-time performance, deterministic communication and system scalability are essential. EtherCAT to CAN converters make it possible to extend modern control systems with proven CAN-based equipment without redesigning the entire machine architecture.

What are EtherCAT to CAN converters used for?

The primary purpose of an EtherCAT to CAN converter is to act as a communication bridge between EtherCAT networks and CAN devices. The converter receives process data from an EtherCAT master and transfers it to the CAN bus, while simultaneously collecting CAN data and exposing it to the EtherCAT system in a structured and deterministic way.

This allows system integrators to:

• connect CAN-based devices directly to EtherCAT PLCs,
• control CAN drives, I/O modules and sensors from EtherCAT systems,
• expand EtherCAT networks with distributed CAN field devices,
• maintain existing CAN installations while upgrading control architecture.

Where are EtherCAT to CAN converters most commonly used?

EtherCAT to CAN converters are typically used in industrial applications where a central EtherCAT-based controller must communicate with devices that rely on the CAN protocol. Common application areas include:

• machine automation and control systems,
• motion control and servo drive applications,
• robotic cells and automated production lines,
• packaging, processing and assembly machines,
• OEM systems combining legacy CAN devices with modern PLC platforms.

EtherCAT provides extremely fast and deterministic communication at the control level, while CAN is widely used at the device level. EtherCAT to CAN converters enable seamless cooperation between these two layers within a single automation system.

What problems do EtherCAT to CAN converters solve?

Implementing EtherCAT to CAN converters helps overcome several typical integration challenges:

• lack of direct compatibility between EtherCAT controllers and CAN devices,
• the need to replace reliable CAN equipment when upgrading to EtherCAT,
• complexity of managing mixed communication architectures,
• limited flexibility when expanding or modernizing existing machines.

By using an EtherCAT to CAN gateway, system designers can preserve proven CAN devices while benefiting from EtherCAT features such as short cycle times, precise synchronization and deterministic real-time communication.

Why choose EtherCAT to CAN converters from Consteel Electronics?

EtherCAT to CAN converters from Consteel Electronics are designed for continuous industrial operation and high reliability. They offer stable communication, flexible mapping options and compatibility with leading EtherCAT-based automation systems.

Our engineers provide technical support during product selection, configuration and system commissioning, helping customers reduce integration time and ensure a robust and scalable automation solution.