MEC3

Modular midrange embedded controller for DIN rail mounting

Available from Q2/2025

  • The next generation of the midrange embedded controller, MEC3, is based on a modular hardware architecture that allows individual project-specific hardware requirements to be taken into account.

    MEC3 is designed for use in industrial applications and tailored towards continuous operation and maximum availability. Equipped with a 64-bit ARM quad-core platform and based on the underlying PCIe backplane architecture, the modular gateway MEC3 exceeds its predecessor MEC2 when it comes to performance and flexibility.

    The standard configuration of the MEC3 includes two modules. The power supply module (PS24VDC) can be used with redundant input voltages. Additionally, the module is equipped with a status relay which can be freely configured by the software. A second module (CPU2E2S) integrates both two serial and two Ethernet interfaces alongside the mainboard of the communication gateway.

    Via two additional slots, the MEC3 can be equipped with optional extension modules to add interfaces.

    The hardware of the MEC3 has no rotating parts - a fan is not required due to the low power requirement.

    Like all our gateway systems, the MEC3 is delivered with ipLinux, a Linux operating system customized to our needs.

    The MEC3 is suitable for mounting on a 35 mm DIN-rail.

Extension modules
  • MEC3 module COMM2E2S
    COMM2E2S Serial Ethernet module

    The COMM2E2S communication module extends the number of interfaces by two serial and two Ethernet interfaces. Thus, up to 6 serial and 6 Ethernet interfaces are available with the MEC3.

    MEC3 module 8DI8DO
    8DI8DO Digital I/O module

    The 8DI8DO digital I/O module extends the interfaces of the MEC3 by eight digital inputs and outputs.

    Further modules in planning.

Performance Overview
  • Graphical comparison of IPCOMM gateways with regard to the maximum number of information changes/s at 100% throughput and the maximum number of node variables that can be managed, processed and transmitted.

    Gateway Performance Charts

Technical Details

  • General Information

  • Housing material

    Plastic housing

  • Mounting

    35 mm DIN-Rail

  • IP Code

    IP30

  • Rotating parts

    None

  • Dimensions (W/H/D)

    approx. 107 mm/125 mm/97 mm (without front connectors)

  • Weight

    approx. 0.43 kg (two modules)
    approx. 0.65 kg (four modules)
    The exact weight depends on the modules used

  • Operating temperature

    -20 °C to +60 °C

  • Storage temperature

    -40 °C to +85 °C

  • Relative humidity

    5 % to 90 % non-condensing

  • Features

    ipLinux operating system
    Battery buffered real time clock (RTC; CR2032)
    The changeover switch (state relay "FAIL") can be individually controlled by the gateway software
    Hardware watchdog
    Temperature monitoring
    Power supply monitoring
    Undervoltage and overvoltage protection: The power supply and all interfaces are ESD, surge, and burst protected (see EMC)

  • Approval

    CE (Industrial)

  • Conformity

    RoHS, REACH, WEEE

  • Slot 1

    PS24VDC Power Supply Module

  • Operating voltage

    UPWR1/2: 24 V DC (21 – 27 V DC)

  • Power consumption

    Max. 20 W (typ. 5.5 W)
    (with two modules – PS24VDC & CPU2E2S)

  • Holding time

    ~ 100 ms at 15 W
    Protection against short-time voltage interruptions

  • "FAIL" status relay (software-controlled)

    Maximum voltage: 25 V AC / 30 V DC
    Maximum current: 2 A

  • Line cross-section

    0.129 – 3.31 mm² (solid or stranded wire)

  • Features

    Redundant voltage feed-in
    The ground (GND) is galvanically connected directly to the protective earth (PE)
    Undervoltage and overvoltage protection (see EMC)

  • Diagnostic LEDs

    PWR: Power supply indicator (CH1 / CH2)
    CH1: Power supply connected via channel 1
    CH2: Power supply connected via channel 2

  • Reset button

    RNS: Reset network settings

  • Slot 2

    CPU2E2S CPU Module

  • CPU

    ARM Cortex-A72 (1.5 GHz Quad Core)

  • Memory

    4 GB RAM

  • Flash

    2 GB industrial microSD card
    SLC-NAND up to 20,000 write cycles
    MTBF > 3,000,000 h

  • Ethernet interfaces

    2x RJ45 10/100/1000 BASE-T

  • Serial interfaces

    2x RJ45 RS232 / RS422 / RS485
    Baud Rate: 300 – 115200 Baud

  • USB interface

    1x USB 2.0 up to 480 Mbps "high speed"

  • Diagnostic LEDs

    PWR: Power supply indicator
    USR: LED freely configurable by software
    CPU: LED to show different software conditions
    COM1/COM2: Send and receive LED for serial interfaces
    ETH0/ETH1: Link and activity LED for Ethernet interfaces