Arduino-programmable EtherCAT master runs FreeDOS on Vortex86EX2 x86 processor

ICOP QEC-M-01 is an EtherCAT master system running FreeDOS based on DM&P Vortex86EX2 dual-core x86 processor. It is programmable with an industrial Arduino IDE – the 86Duino IDE – that supports an EtherCAT API for real-time field monitoring and big data collection.

The system can be used for industrial automation applications that require precise timing and it can monitor the hardware’s voltage, current, and temperature to calculate/estimate carbon emissions for industrial manufacturing to assist in the tracking of a factory’s carbon footprint.

ICOP QEC-M-01 specifications:

• SoC – DM&P Vortex86EX2 dual-core processor with the Master core clocked up to 600MHz and the Slave core up to 400MHz
• System Memory – 1GB or 2GB DDR3
• Storage – 32MB SPI Flash, MicroSD card, optional eMMC flash
• Networking
  • Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port
  • 2x 10/100Mbps Ethernet RJ45 ports for EtherCAT master with support for CANopen over EtherCAT (CoE), File Access over EtherCAT (FoE), Distributed Clocks (DC), and Cable Redundancy; 125 µs (min.) cycle time
• Serial – 1x RS485 interface via terminal block
• Audio – 1x Audio connector
• USB – 1x USB 2.0 host port, 1x Micro USB Type-B port
• I/Os – DC Input/Output Connector x1
• Power Supply – +24V via 6-pin input/output connector
• Power Consumption – +24VDC @ 220mA (Typ.), i.e. 5.28W
• Dimensions – 107.45 x 77.39 x 34 mm
• Weight – 270 grams
• Temperature Range – -20°C to 70°C

The EtherCAT master system can be DIN Rail mounted, runs FreeDOS, and is programmable with the 86Duino IDE written in Java and based on the Arduino IDE, Processing, DJGPP, and other open-source software projects.

The company highlights the time accuracy of the ICOP QEC-M-01 with precise synchronization (min.125μs) and the 86Duino IDE providing less than 1us jitter time in the minimum cycle time. That makes the system suitable for highly synchronized and precision automatic applications, like motion control and I/O control. EtherCAT benchmarks are provided as well.

The ICOP QEC-M-01 appears to be available now, but pricing has not been made public. You’ll find more information on the product page with a datasheet and a user manual, as well as on the press release. If you are in need of legacy hardware, it’s not the first time we’ve written about ICOP solutions based on DM&P x86 processors with other products including the VEX2-6415 SBC and the SOM304D3 system-on-module powered by a Vortex86DX3 processor.

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