ICOP Launches QEC-M-02: All-in-One EtherCAT MDevice with Open-Source IDE, PLC I/O, and HMI Display

All-in-One Industrial Edge Controller

The QEC-M-02 features 16-ch isolated digital inputs and 16-ch isolated digital outputs (NPN/PNP compatible), enabling it to act as a PLC type I/O controller in various factory automation scenarios.

For display functionality, the QEC-M-02 features an HDMI output (1280 × 720, 256 colors) and supports LVGL and the 86HMI editor, making it an excellent solution for HMI applications. In terms of connectivity, the QEC-M-02 offers EtherCAT, Giga LAN, USB, COM port, HDMI, a rotary switch, and a RUN/STOP switch, providing flexible integration options with off-the-shelf APIs for automation projects.

Includes 16 isolated digital input channels and 16 isolated digital output channels, supporting NPN and PNP sink configurations with a safe operating frequency of up to 3000 Hz. The digital output supports load voltages up to 60VDC, with a typical current of 500mA per channel and a peak current of 1000mA. Isolation protection is rated at 2500 Vrms (input) and 1500 Vrms (output), ensuring reliability and safety in industrial environments.

Real-Time Precision for Motion and I/O Control

With a precise synchronization cycle of 125μs (min.) based on EtherCAT communication and jitter time under 1μs, the QEC-M-02 is designed for highly synchronized motion and I/O control applications, making it ideal for precision automation. It uses a dual-core, independently operating DM&P Vortex86EX2 processor for real-time, reliable synchronous EtherCAT control.
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It supports PDO, CoE, FoE, DC, etc., and allows the flexible use of other EtherCAT SubDevices to fully utilize EtherCAT. And QEC-M-02 has already tested and verified many third-party EtherCAT SubDevices.

Protocol Compatibility for Industrial Integration

In addition to EtherCAT, the QEC-M-02 supports a range of widely used industrial application-layer communication protocols, including Modbus RTU/TCP, MQTT, OPC UA, CANopen, and standard Ethernet (TCP/IP). This multi-protocol compatibility enables seamless integration into both modern and legacy automation environments.

Developers can utilize existing libraries in the 86Duino IDE to implement edge-to-cloud connectivity, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and remote monitoring. Whether connecting to SCADA systems, IoT platforms, or third-party PLCs, the QEC-M-02 provides flexible and scalable connectivity options essential for Industry 4.0 and IIoT deployments.

Designed for Industrial Reliability

Measuring 107.45 x 49 x 77.31 mm and weighing only 370g, the QEC-M-02 supports DIN-rail mounting with a robust Euroblock terminal block for easy installation and wiring. It operates in a temperature range of -20°C to +70°C (with an optional -40°C to +85°C variant) and features built-in monitoring for temperature, voltage, current, and startup time, ensuring optimal system performance in industrial environments.

Open-Source Development with 86Duino IDE

ICOP equips the QEC-M-02 with 86Duino IDE, a free, Arduino-compatible environment optimized for industrial control and automation. This IDE allows developers to write control logic using C/C++ programming, supported by comprehensive EtherCAT API functions that offer direct access to PDOs, CiA402 states, distributed clocks, and more.

For users with less coding experience or those seeking rapid prototyping, the QEC-M-02 also supports graphical development tools such as:

• LDmicro, a ladder logic editor compliant with parts of IEC 61131-3
• 86EVA, a GUI-based EtherCAT configuration tool for ENI import, SubDevice mapping, and parameter tuning
• ArduBlock, a Scratch-like visual tool for basic automation logic design

These tools empower users of all levels, from professional control engineers to students and makers, to build real-time industrial applications without complex setup.

The platform also enables modular software design, supporting task separation between real-time EtherCAT control and higher-level UI/network handling via dual-core architecture. Users can structure their applications in an event-driven or cyclic loop model, making it highly suitable for multi-axis motion, sensor monitoring, and machine interlocks.

For display functionality, we support the LVGL Library, a lightweight and versatile graphics library, and the 86HMI Editor, a user-friendly UI design tool. Together, they provide a complete HMI development solution, allowing users to render gauges, buttons, real-time charts, and even touch interaction directly on HDMI displays without relying on an external PC.