Migration Guide: Replacing ET1100 with FCE1100
Migration Overview
Migrating from ET1100 to FCE1100 is straightforward due to pin-to-pin compatibility. The FCE1100 is designed as a direct replacement, requiring minimal or no hardware changes in most designs. Software migration involves updating the ESI file and minor driver adjustments. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for successful migration.
Hardware Compatibility Analysis
Before migration, analyze your existing hardware design: Verify ET1100 pinout matches FCE1100 pinout - they are identical. Check power supply requirements - both use 3.3V. Confirm external PHY compatibility - FCE1100 works with same PHYs as ET1100. Review clock circuit - both use same crystal requirements. Check EEPROM interface - identical SPI interface. Most properly designed ET1100 circuits can accept FCE1100 directly.
Hardware Migration Steps
Hardware migration is typically a simple component swap: Remove ET1100 from PCB (or use new PCB if redesigning). Install FCE1100 in same footprint. No PCB trace changes required for pin-compatible replacement. Verify power supply decoupling is adequate. Confirm crystal and reset circuits are compatible. Test with evaluation board first if any concerns. The migration can often be done as a running change in production.
Software Migration
Software migration involves: Updating ESI file with FCE1100 identity information (vendor ID, product code). Adjusting EEPROM configuration if needed. Updating host MCU drivers for any timing differences. Testing with your EtherCAT master. Verifying all process data and parameters work correctly. Most application code requires no changes. Funcience provides migration guides with specific code examples.
ESI File Adaptation
The ESI file needs updates for FCE1100 identity: Change vendor ID to Funcience vendor ID. Update product code and revision numbers. Keep PDO mapping and synchronization settings identical. Update device name and description. Test modified ESI file with your master. Funcience provides ESI templates for common configurations. The protocol implementation remains identical to ET1100.
Validation and Testing
Thorough validation ensures successful migration: Functional testing of all EtherCAT features. Performance verification (cycle time, jitter). Compatibility testing with your target masters. Long-term reliability testing. EMC verification if hardware changed. Document any behavioral differences. Most customers report identical performance with FCE1100 compared to ET1100.
ðĄ FAE Insights
ð Customer Cases
Industrial Drive Manufacturer
Motor Drives
Challenge
The customer had a mature servo drive product using ET1100 facing supply constraints and price increases. They needed to migrate to FCE1100 while maintaining identical performance and avoiding customer disruption.
Solution
We provided FCE1100 samples and ESI migration template. Customer tested extensively with their supported master systems. Implemented running change with customer notification.
Customer Feedback
"Customer reported positive experience and successful implementation."
Results
Migration completed with zero customer-reported issues. Cost reduced by 35% and supply security improved. Product performance remained identical to ET1100 version.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is FCE1100 truly pin-compatible with ET1100?
Yes, FCE1100 is designed to be pin-to-pin compatible with Beckhoff ET1100. The pinout is identical, allowing direct replacement without PCB changes. Electrical characteristics including power supply, timing, and interface specifications match ET1100. The package (LQFP-64) is the same. Hundreds of successful migrations confirm the compatibility. Minor differences in some timing parameters are within ET1100 specification tolerance. Funcience provides detailed comparison documentation.
2. What changes are needed in the ESI file?
ESI file changes for FCE1100 migration: Update vendor ID to Funcience vendor ID (0x000006FE). Update product code to FCE1100 product code. Update revision number as appropriate. Update device name and description. Keep all functional configuration identical - PDO mapping, synchronization settings, and parameters should not change. The ESI file structure and content remain the same. Funcience provides ESI templates showing required changes. Testing with your master verifies correct operation.
3. Do I need to change my application software?
Application software typically requires no changes for ET1100 to FCE1100 migration. The EtherCAT protocol implementation is identical. Process data mapping remains the same. State machine behavior is compatible. Any ET1100-specific code (such as direct register access) should be reviewed but is rarely needed in typical applications. The host MCU communication drivers work unchanged. Most customers report 100% code compatibility. Funcience can review your code if you have concerns.
4. How long does migration typically take?
Migration timeline depends on validation requirements: Simple migration with minimal testing can complete in 1-2 weeks. Typical industrial product migration takes 3-4 weeks including testing. Products requiring extensive qualification may take 6-8 weeks. Timeline includes: hardware validation (1 week), software update and testing (1-2 weeks), system testing (1-2 weeks), documentation update (few days). Starting with evaluation kit testing can reduce timeline. Funcience provides support to accelerate migration.
5. Will performance be identical to ET1100?
Yes, FCE1100 provides identical performance to ET1100 in all key specifications: EtherCAT cycle time capability (125Ξs minimum). Distributed clock synchronization accuracy. Process data throughput. State transition timing. Communication reliability. EMC performance. Hundreds of successful migrations confirm performance equivalence. Any minor timing differences are within specification tolerance and don't affect operation. Funcience provides performance comparison data.