ABB 1SAP170902R0001 EtherCAT Communication Module

ABB CM579-ETHCAT, part number 1SAP170902R0001, is the EtherCAT Master communication module for ABB AC500 PLCs. It adds EtherCAT master capability to the AC500 CPU by connecting to the CM bus and exposing two RJ45 ports (ETHCAT1 and ETHCAT2) for EtherCAT communication with slave devices. The module includes five status LEDs and two address rotary switches (the latter not used in standard configurations). In Automation Builder, CM579-ETHCAT is configured as the EtherCAT master to control an EtherCAT network of slaves, with ABB’s EtherCAT libraries documenting master operations for the AC500 platform. Typical applications include coordinating servo drives, I/O blocks, and sensors on an EtherCAT network in industrial automation, with the AC500 platform acting as the central controller for real-time, deterministic communication.