John Deere Expands ECU Software Options with CODESYS Integration
Ann Arbor, Michigan – John Deere Electronics is broadening its software capabilities for its rugged M-series controllers, now offering support for the CODESYS development platform alongside its existing Raptor software. This move, announced in mid-July 2025, aims to provide engineers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with greater flexibility and choice in developing control systems for off-highway, utility, and industrial vehicles. The integration of CODESYS, a widely used IEC 61131-3-compliant control application development environment, is a direct response to customer demand for more versatile programming options. New Eagle, a long-time partner of John Deere Electronics, is facilitating this expansion, providing a pathway for developers to leverage their existing skills and workflows without compromising performance or reliability.
The collaboration between John Deere Electronics and New Eagle, spanning over a decade, underscores a commitment to software usability and innovation within the agricultural and industrial machinery sectors. This partnership allows John Deere to offer dedicated software development tools tailored for operation in challenging environments. The addition of CODESYS support builds upon this foundation, providing a more comprehensive suite of options for engineers designing and deploying complex control systems. According to New Eagle, the CODESYS-compatible ECUs maintain a high degree of hardware and software commonality – approximately 98% – with their Raptor-supported platforms, ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing integration challenges.
The M-series controllers, known for their durability and reliability, are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and exposure to water, dirt, and debris. Classified as IP67-rated, these electronic control units (ECUs) are built for demanding applications where consistent performance is critical. They feature high current outputs and support multiple communication protocols, including CAN, LIN, and Ethernet, within a common architecture. Integrated sensors for acceleration and temperature, along with AECQ-qualified electrical components and 32-bit microprocessors, further enhance their robustness and functionality. The addition of CODESYS support doesn’t alter these core hardware capabilities but expands the software ecosystem available to developers working with these controllers.
CODESYS: A Flexible Solution for Industrial Control
CODESYS (Control Development System) is a popular software platform used by programmers and controls engineers to create applications compliant with the IEC 61131-3 standard. CODESYS offers a structured approach to programming and supports a wide range of programming languages, making it particularly valuable in industrial automation, off-highway vehicle control, and utility applications. Its hardware independence is a key benefit, allowing developers to write applications that can run across multiple hardware platforms, simplifying integration and deployment. This flexibility is crucial for teams working with evolving system architectures and scalable designs.
The integration of CODESYS into New Eagle’s John Deere ECUs offers several key advantages. First, it provides hardware independence, enabling developers to create applications that are less tied to specific hardware configurations. Second, it streamlines integration by allowing developers to leverage existing CODESYS expertise and tools. Third, it expands the range of potential applications for the M-series controllers, opening up new opportunities for innovation and customization. By offering both CODESYS and Raptor, John Deere Electronics is catering to a broader spectrum of developer preferences and skillsets.
European Expansion and Cybersecurity Considerations
The CODESYS support is now available throughout Europe, bolstering John Deere Electronics’ presence and offerings in the region. The company’s European headquarters are located in Saran, France, where the software updates were initially presented. John Deere Electronics provides a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including integrated displays, telematics, connectivity solutions, power inverters, specialized sensors, ECUs, and image processing units. These solutions cater to a diverse range of industries, from agriculture and forestry to commercial vehicles, construction, and even rail, mining, maritime, and airport applications.
The timing of this announcement is particularly relevant given the increasing focus on cybersecurity in the industrial sector. John Deere emphasizes that the M-series controllers meet high standards for functional safety and cybersecurity, a critical consideration in light of the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which came into effect in 2024. The CRA aims to ensure the cybersecurity of digital products throughout their entire lifecycle, and John Deere’s commitment to these standards demonstrates its proactive approach to compliance. According to John Deere, the controllers are designed to meet these evolving security requirements, providing customers with confidence in the long-term reliability and security of their systems.
Industry Perspectives on the Partnership
Kevin Alley, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of New Eagle, stated, “Our goal at New Eagle is to empower customers to accelerate time-to-market while offering them greater flexibility in designing and implementing their systems.” He further emphasized that integrating CODESYS into production-ready ECUs, alongside the Raptor software, represents a significant milestone in the company’s long-standing relationship with John Deere Electronics, providing engineers with trusted tools on reliable hardware.
Dan Dougherty, Director of Electronic Production and OEM Sales at John Deere, added, “Integrating CODESYS into our M-Series ECUs helps our customers across Europe overcome the limitations of mechanical endurance, reliability, and innovation. We can now support a larger number of customers in meeting their specialized system design needs, expanding the value and benefits of our solutions.”
The move to support CODESYS reflects a broader trend in the industry towards greater software flexibility and openness. By providing developers with more choices, John Deere Electronics and New Eagle are positioning themselves to better serve the evolving needs of the off-highway and industrial markets. This collaboration underscores the importance of software as a key differentiator in the competitive landscape of intelligent machinery and vehicle control systems.
Key Takeaways
- John Deere Electronics is now supporting CODESYS on its M-series controllers, alongside its existing Raptor software.
- This integration provides developers with greater flexibility and choice in programming options.
- The M-series controllers are designed for harsh environments and meet high standards for functional safety and cybersecurity.
- The move is part of a broader trend towards greater software openness and innovation in the industrial sector.
Looking ahead, John Deere Electronics will continue to monitor industry trends and customer feedback to further enhance its software offerings. The company is committed to providing developers with the tools and resources they need to create innovative and reliable control systems for a wide range of applications. Further updates on software compatibility and new features will be announced through official John Deere channels. Readers interested in learning more about the M-series controllers and CODESYS support are encouraged to visit the John Deere website or contact a local John Deere dealer.
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