====== The Acontis EtherCAT Stack ======
===== Class A and Class B =====

The Acontis stack is divided into two parts. The [[https://www.acontis.com/eng/products/ethercat/ec-master/index.php|Class B]] Master forms the basis. The [[https://www.acontis.com/eng/products/ethercat/ec-master/fp-master-synchronisation.php|Class A]] Master is an addon that allows synchronization with Distributed Clocks (DCM = Distributed Clocks Master Synchronization).

===== Software libraries and components =====
{{ :embedded_systems:ethercat:slide_43.jpg?direct&600 |}}

  - **atemsys [atemsys.ko]**
    * Linux kernel module. Grants direct HW access from user space.
    * Must be compiled for the kernel used.
    * ''Sources/LinkOsLayer/Linux/atemsys''
    * [[embedded_systems:ethercat:install_acontis_stack|How to build]]
  - **EtherCAT Master Core[libEcMaster.a]** 
    * Base of the EtherCAT stack.
    * ''SDK/LIB/Linux/x64/libEcMaster.a'' 
  - **EC LinkLayer [libemllI8254x.so]**
    * **Lib**rary **E**tharCAT **M**aster **L**ink **L**ayer for **I**ntel**8254X** EtherNet hardware. 
    * Special Ethernet hardware driver optimized for use with EtherCAT.
    * Replaces the installed ethernet driver
    * Different LinkLayer may be needed for different Ethernet Hardware
    * Check compatibility list in {{:embedded_systems:ethercat:ec-master_classb.pdf|EC-Master_ClassB.pdf}} 2.3.1.3 Supported network controllers
    * ''Bin/Linux/x64/libeml8254x.so''


===== Usage =====
The Acontis stack can be used without limitation for 1 hour. After this the stack stops working. To overcome this limitation you have to acquire runtime licences from Acontis.