The EtherCAT Technology Group, a forum for companies in the process industries and automation suppliers to work together to support, promote and advance the EtherCAT technology, has reportedly recognized the first EtherCAT device to pass conformance testing in North America.

The EZ-Zone RM multi-loop temperature controller from St. Louis-based Watlow was tested and passed conformance testing at the new North American EtherCAT test center in Savage, Minn. Stan Breitlow, Watlow’s principal engineer and semiconductor system designer, accepted the award from Florian Hafele, the onsite representative from the EtherCAT Technology Group.

Watlow is one of the early adopters of EtherCAT, which it says it has pursued to demonstrate its commitment to the semiconductor industry.