Thesis description
In this thesis, the student will research and develop an EtherCAT slave
device for custom and modular I/O with integrated edge processing
capabilities. The work involves designing a custom PCB or further
developing an existing hardware platform, combined with firmware
development for real-time EtherCAT communication.
The student will gain hands-on experience with industrial communication
protocols, embedded systems, and hardware design, working on a solution
that bridges low-level electronics with high-level system integration. Key
challenges include achieving reliable real-time performance, designing
flexible I/O architectures, and enabling efficient local (edge) data
processing.
he goal is to create a scalable and modular device that can be seamlessly
integrated into industrial EtherCAT systems. This device will allow tailored
I/O configurations and intelligent data handling at the edge, reducing
system complexity and improving performance in demanding automation
environments.
Depending on the student’s interests, there is room to explore advanced
topics such as modular hardware expansion, real-time data processing…
Extra info
- Speciality: Electronics, Hardware
- Number of students: 1
About the company
CTRL Engineering, located in Loppem (near Bruges), develops advanced automation and control solutions for industrial applications. We design custom testbenches, motion control systems and data driven engineering solutions, complemented by in-house hardware (electronics) development, simulation and vision systems, combining practical implementation with innovative technology.
