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

Industrial CAN to EtherCAT converters are advanced communication devices designed to seamlessly integrate equipment based on the CAN (Controller Area Network) with modern automation systems using EtherCAT. These gateways enable reliable data exchange between CAN-based sensors, drives, controllers and high-performance EtherCAT networks.

The converters offered by Consteel Electronics are engineered for demanding industrial environments where deterministic communication, real-time performance and long-term system reliability are critical. They allow existing CAN infrastructures to be efficiently connected to modern PLC and motion control systems without costly hardware replacement.

What are CAN to EtherCAT converters used for?

The primary function of a CAN to EtherCAT converter is to translate data between two different communication architectures. The device receives CAN frames, processes them according to the configured mapping, and makes the data available within the EtherCAT process data structure.

This enables:

• connecting CAN devices directly to EtherCAT-based PLCs,
• integrating CAN drives, encoders and I/O modules into real-time systems,
• reusing existing CAN devices without modifying the machine architecture,
• centralized data acquisition and control via an EtherCAT network.

Where are CAN to EtherCAT converters most commonly used?

CAN to EtherCAT converters are widely used in industrial applications where CAN-based equipment must be integrated into high-speed EtherCAT control systems. Typical application areas include:

• production and assembly lines,
• motion control and machine automation systems,
• industrial robotics,
• packaging and processing machines,
• OEM applications requiring precise axis synchronization.

EtherCAT is especially well suited for applications requiring short cycle times and precise synchronization, while CAN remains common in distributed field devices. CAN to EtherCAT converters effectively bridge these two technologies within a single control architecture.

What problems do CAN to EtherCAT converters solve?

Using CAN to EtherCAT converters helps eliminate several common integration challenges:

• lack of native compatibility between CAN and EtherCAT networks,
• the need to replace proven CAN devices with more expensive EtherCAT alternatives,
• difficulties synchronizing data in multi-axis motion systems,
• limited flexibility when modernizing existing machinery.

By introducing a CAN to EtherCAT gateway, system designers can preserve existing CAN devices while fully benefiting from EtherCAT features such as deterministic communication, high data throughput and seamless integration with modern PLC platforms.

Why choose CAN to EtherCAT converters from Consteel Electronics?

CAN to EtherCAT converters from Consteel Electronics are designed for industrial reliability and long-term operation. They offer stable communication, flexible configuration options and compatibility with leading automation environments.

Our technical team supports customers throughout the entire process – from product selection and configuration to commissioning – helping reduce integration time and ensure a reliable and scalable automation solution.