EtherCAT + 7i96s for encoder input and analog output

Hello 
I have managed to get a few motors running with etherCAT, but I still need a simple I/O system with analog out and encoder input, to use a mesa THCAD.

How is it feasible? Do I need a dual Ethernet card? 
The PCs I’m using have a single Ethernet port, so to run both mesa and ethercat I will need another Ethernet system, to have different NICs, right?

thank you.

Yes, you would need two NICs
 

A Beckhoff EL3162 has 2 channels of 0-10 volt input with 500v isolation from the Ethercat bus. This could replace 2 THCAD's without worrying about needing encoder inputs.

I don't understand why people want to mix MESA and Ethercat systems even though it can be done.

Well, the reason is very simple Each additional Beckhoff module is a bag of money for the small user.

besriworld wrote:

Well, the reason is very simple Each additional Beckhoff module is a bag of money for the small user.

You need to consider this before selecting a control method.
I've been scouring eBay for various beckhoff modules and the price is not too bad but they are never in Australia so the wait time sucks!
But AUD $132 for above module landed was not bad v's a THCAD given our appalling exchange rate.