The PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) has been and still is the basic component of the industrial automation world. PLCs are usually pretty expensive pieces of hardware, which led many people who know micro-controllers to come up with their own ideas to implement similar functionality.
Arduino is a kind of universal programmable controller, although it is only the “core” and in any case it has been built for general applications; with a little of external hardware (essentially interfaces capable of transferring signals from sensors and to actuators, reducing the EMI which may damage the microcontroller) and an appropriate software may, however, become something very similar to a PLC. For output you can use Arduino Relay modules. For input you can use varying Arduino sensors of build your own adapter for some industrial sensors.
Arduino as a programmable logic controller (PLC) tutorial we will explain how to “convert” our Arduino board in a PLC-like controller. There are several ways to turn Arduino into a Programmable Logic Controller, and Arduino as a programmable logic controller (PLC) tutorial presents two: Ladder Logic for PIC and AVR software and ladder.h Generator for LDmicro → Arduino. Also OpenPLC project has a OpenPLC Ladder Editor that can generate code for a standard arduino from a ladder diagram.
In some applications PLCs are more used as IO interfaces for SCADA systems more than doing the controlling. If you want to make Arduino board to look like PLC from SCADA point of view, you can put in software that make it to communicate with MODBUS or other suitable SCADA protocol. One easy way to experiment is to try SCADA for Arduino that includes both Arduino software and SCADA software. I tried it and you can read my experiences with it at Experimenting with SCADA for Arduino posting.
If you are worried if your Arduino based rat’s nest would survive in industrial environment or would be accepted by industrial control people, it is a good idea to to consider available Arduino compatible products designed for industrial control applications. There are now several commercial products built for Arduino PLC applications:
CONTROLLINO advertises to be first software Open-Source PLC. It is ARDUINO compatible.It started as Kickstarter project, but is now available directly from manufacturer web site. It advertises to be designed to control your Internet of Things and be CE & UL certificated. For more details check the video ARDUINO + PLC = CONTROLLINO
Industruino is an Arduino compatible industrial controller. Industruino is a fully featured Arduino Leonardo compatible board housed in a DIN-rail mountable case + prototyping area + onboard LCD + membrane panel. With this product you will be able to permanently install your Arduino application to industrial. Industruino is a pre-built solution offering a range of industrial voltage level I/O. All controlled with the ease of Arduino coding.
Industrial Shields has a selection of Arduino compatible industrial PLC hardware that can be plugges to DIN rail. The ARDBOX PLC, as it uses an Arduino UNO or Arduino LEONARDO, lets you program it through the USB. M-DUINO family is based on Arduino Mega. This PLC can be programmed using the Arduino IDE platform
BieMme Italia offers Soft PLC Arduino which is based on Advanced Arduino Relay Shield. You plug your Arduino to this shield, and it should be then industrial compatible with the control voltage and electrical protection. BieMme Italia also has Bmini All-in-one that has 4 optoisolated 24V digital inputs, 4 high quality relays, 8 analog inputs, PWM, I2C, RS485, Ethernet and more.
270 Comments
Tomi Engdahl says:
DIN Rail Mount for Arduino YUN, UNO and Nano © GPL3+
https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/hwhardsoft/din-rail-mount-for-arduino-yun-uno-and-nano-6907fd
How to use the ArduiBox Open DIN rail enclosure set for Arduino Nano, UNO and Yun Rev 2.
Sometimes it is useful to mount your Arduino project permanently in a control cabinet – for example in home automation or industrial applications. In such cases our ArduiBox enclosure for Arduino Nano, UNO and Yun Rev2 can help you to come to a rugged solution with professional look.
Tomi Engdahl says:
PLC Training Center
https://www.hackster.io/saifalikabi/plc-training-center-213b18
PLC IEC-61131-3 ladder programming >>> Modbus TCP/IP >>> PID tuning >>> HMI >>> Wiring diagram.
Tomi Engdahl says:
PLC Training Center © GPL3+
https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/saifalikabi/plc-training-center-213b18
PLC IEC-61131-3 ladder programming >>> Modbus TCP/IP >>> PID tuning >>> HMI >>> Wiring diagram.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.uusiteknologia.fi/2019/04/15/raspberry-kortit-ammattikayttoon/
Tomi Engdahl says:
UniPi 1.1 & 1.1 Lite
https://www.unipi.technology/products/unipi-1-1-1-1-lite-19
The UniPi 1.1 and 1.1 Lite are a simple and inexpensive expansion boards for the Raspberry Pi computer, allowing it to function as a programmable logic controller (PLC). It is also the direct predecessor of the UniPi Neuron product line.
https://www.partco.fi/fi/automaatio/20509-unipi-v11lite.html
Tomi Engdahl says:
DIN Rail Mount for Arduino YUN, UNO and Nano
https://www.hackster.io/hwhardsoft/din-rail-mount-for-arduino-yun-uno-and-nano-6907fd
How to use the ArduiBox Open DIN rail enclosure set for Arduino Nano, UNO and Yun Rev 2.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Arduino MKR DIN Rail Mount
https://www.hackster.io/hwhardsoft/arduino-mkr-din-rail-mount-543440
Simple enclosure and breadboard to mount Arduino MKR boards in a cabinet for prototyping.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Arduino RS485 DIN Rail Mount
https://www.hackster.io/hwhardsoft/arduino-rs485-din-rail-mount-23f247
How to mount an Arduino and an RS485 shield (or any other shield) in a cabinet on a DIN rail.
Tomi Engdahl says:
ModBerry’s M500 Industrial IoT Computer Gets an Upgrade with the Raspberry Pi 4
https://blog.hackster.io/modberrys-m500-industrial-iot-computer-gets-an-upgrade-with-the-raspberry-pi-4-a43a114ef2e2
Tomi Engdahl says:
Simatic IOT2020 and AWS – Open Source Solution with Node-RED
https://www.hackster.io/jancumps/simatic-iot2020-and-aws-open-source-solution-with-node-red-128a41
AWS IoT Core integration, with open tools.
Steps:
Install AWS nodes in Node-RED
Register the IOT2000 as a Thing in the AWS IoT Core
Place certificates on the IOT2000
Make an inbound (MQTT Subscribe) flow
Make an outbound (MQTT Publish) flow
Tomi Engdahl says:
Pi-oT Launches IoT Module for the Raspberry Pi
https://blog.hackster.io/pi-ot-launches-iot-module-for-the-raspberry-pi-6aaf06f7902d
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.unipi.technology/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_-rc1uCP5gIVTX4ZCh0Y7AjREAEYASAAEgL4APD_BwE
Tomi Engdahl says:
With six inputs, isolated as three pairs, the Debounce HAT aims to make switch bounce problems a thing of the past.
Nyantronics’ Six-Input Raspberry Pi-Compatible Debounce HAT Prepares for Crowdfunding Launch
https://www.hackster.io/news/nyantronics-six-input-raspberry-pi-compatible-debounce-hat-prepares-for-crowdfunding-launch-3da338571054
With six inputs, isolated as three pairs, the Debounce HAT aims to make switch bounce problems a thing of the past.
Because the bounce issue is handled in hardware, there’s no need for any debounce routines in the software side — while each of the three input pairs are isolated up to 2kV AC with 2.5mm spring terminal connections accepting 22-16 AWG wires.
“Debounce HAT was born out of necessity,” Posch explains. “We were implementing a switch detection circuit to determine the state of a door lock etc. in a room, which required a debounce circuit. This prototype showed the need for a fully opto-isolated circuit to protect against ESD that could be transferred via the metal door handle by a person touching it courtesy of walking on carpet during winter time.
http://www.nyantronics.com/debounce_hat.php
https://github.com/MayaPosch/DebounceHat
Tomi Engdahl says:
Glen Akins has dived into AutomationDirect’s ProductivityOpen PLC ecosystem, designing a custom add-on board programmable — like the PLC to which it is connected — from the Arduino IDE.
https://www.hackster.io/news/glen-akins-designs-releases-a-multifunction-add-on-shield-for-the-productivityopen-plc-ecosystem-17c217ca2a21
Tomi Engdahl says:
Building an Add-On Module for the Automation Direct P1AM-100 Open-Source PLC
https://bikerglen.com/blog/p1am-100-open-source-plc-custom-add-on-modules/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Wazazoski’s Daisy-Chain DIN-Mount I2C IO Modules Vastly Expand the Raspberry Pi’s Capabilities
https://www.hackster.io/news/wazazoski-s-daisy-chain-din-mount-i2c-io-modules-vastly-expand-the-raspberry-pi-s-capabilities-134b6ec83588
Based around the MCP23017 expander and PCA9517, the boards include status LEDs for each input and output in the chain.
“[A] few months ago I was asked to make some IO modules for my friend’s automation which used Raspberry Pi as a main controller,” Wazazoski writes. “Modules had to meet his specifications: 24VDC powered; 8 relay outputs; 8 optoisolated inputs; DIN rail mounted; Daisy chainable; I2C bus connected (3.3V AND 5V tolerant); some sort of ‘interrupt signals’ from inputs present, from all connected modules
“I came up with a design based on [the Microchip] MCP23017 chip: [A] 16 port, I2C port expander.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Ignition SCADA + MKR WiFi 1010 © GPL3+
https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/NRobinson2/ignition-scada-mkr-wifi-1010-4d2284
If you’re trying to learn Ignition and want a source of actual data, this tutorial demonstrates how to feed Ignition with Arduino.
Tomi Engdahl says:
From https://hackaday.com/2020/04/26/hackaday-links-april-26-2020/
Automation Direct is offering Arduino-compatible, industrial-grade programmable controllers. Their ProductivityOpen line is compatible with the Arduino IDE while having industrial certifications and hardening against harsh conditions, with a rich line of shields available to piece together complete automation controllers. For the home-gamer, an Arduino in an enclosure that can withstand harsh conditions and only cost $49 might fill a niche.
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/programmable_controllers/open_source_controllers_(arduino-compatible)/productivityopen_(arduino-compatible)/controllers_-a-_shields/p1am-100
ProductivityOpen Arduino-compatible CPU, microSD card slot, (1) microB-USB port(s), external 24 VDC required.
This product uses Arduino IDE or ProductivityBlocks for programming and is not compatible with the Productivity Suite.
This product is compatible with Productivity1000 modules.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://github.com/automationdirect/productivityblocks
ProductivityBlocks is an open source block programming tool for the Arduino IDE. The application is primarily designed to program a P1AM-100 CPU with the P1AM-100 library, but it may also be used to program other Arduino boards supported by the Arduino IDE.
ProductivityBlocks is based on the ardublock project.
https://github.com/AutomationDirect/ProductivityBlocks/wiki
Tomi Engdahl says:
Harris Newsteder’s PL1-0 Offers an Easy Link Between Up to Eight PLC Sensors and Any 3.3-5V MCU
https://www.hackster.io/news/harris-newsteder-s-pl1-0-offers-an-easy-link-between-up-to-eight-plc-sensors-and-any-3-3-5v-mcu-5c509b0b3f70
Supporting a mix of sensors in PNP or NPN mode at up to a 30V operating voltage, the PL1-0 is a clever universal interface board.
“I designed this board out of frustration with the cost and usability of PLCs. So often at my job I wanted to make a simple machine, fixture, or test rig but I didn’t want to pay hundreds of dollars for a PLC with only 6 digital inputs and 6 digital outputs,” writes Newsteder of the project. “An ESP32 is only $7.00 USD, more powerful, and has more interface options than a PLC. Why can’t I use this microcontroller with the rock-solid sensors available to me in industry?”
Newsteder has confirmed that the PL1-0 board will be released under an open source licence, and that it will launch with a detailed user manual and support for “as long as people continue to use it.” More information, and a link to be notified when the crowdfunding campaign goes live, can be found over on Crowd Supply now.
https://www.crowdsupply.com/newsteder/pl1-0-universal-sensor-interface
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.open-electronics.org/arduino-as-a-programmable-logic-controller-plc/
Tomi Engdahl says:
PLC IoT Project using SCADA, ESP8266 Wifi Module & Smart Phone
https://www.electroniclinic.com/plc-iot-project-using-scada-esp8266-wifi-module-smart-phone/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Benefits of learning ladder logic for industrial programming
Ladder logic is challenging for industrial programming, but it is a valuable skill for engineers looking to enhance their skill set.
https://www.controleng.com/articles/benefits-of-learning-ladder-logic-for-industrial-programming/?oly_enc_id=0462E3054934E2U
Tomi Engdahl says:
Which IEC 61131-3 programming language is best? Part 1
With so many programmable logic controller (PLC) programming languages and standards from which to choose, what is the right choice for automation and controls applications? Part 1 provides an overview and focuses on Ladder Diagram (LD) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC).
https://www.controleng.com/articles/which-iec-61131-3-programming-language-is-best-part-1/?oly_enc_id=0462E3054934E2U
Tomi Engdahl says:
Building The Ultimate Raspberry Pi Automation Controller
https://hackaday.com/2020/08/19/building-the-ultimate-raspberry-pi-automation-controller/
The project takes the form of an IP65 industrial enclosure and support electronics that the Raspberry Pi Zero W plugs into. While expandable in nature, [Frank] has a core set of features he’s aiming for as a baseline such as additional serial ports, integrated uninterruptible power supply, a battery-backed Real Time Clock (RTC), an array of programmable status LEDs, and support for XBee and GPS plug-in modules. Feedback is provided through a pair of four digit seven-segment displays and a color 320×480 TFT screen running a custom user interface.
https://hackaday.io/project/171999-picon-one
Tomi Engdahl says:
Din rail enclosure sets for Raspberry Pi, PiZero, Arduino, ESP8266 & ESP32
https://www.hwhardsoft.de/english/projects/
Tomi Engdahl says:
miniPID
https://github.com/tekdemo/MiniPID
This is a small, fully self contained PID class designed to help provide simple, efficient tuning, and simple integration wherever any level of PID control might be needed.
All code is contained in a single C++ class, and doesn’t depend on any specific compiler or toolchain. However, example Arduino sketches are included.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.controleng.com/articles/feed-forwards-augment-pid-control/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Din rail enclosure sets for Raspberry Pi, PiZero, Arduino, ESP8266 & ESP32
https://www.hwhardsoft.de/english/projects/
Tomi Engdahl says:
MODBUS RTU WITH STM32F4
IO extension board: 8AI, 8BI, 8AO, 8BO.
CAN DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM
https://hackaday.io/project/174046-modbus-rtu-with-stm32f4
Communications Ports2 RS-485 NET1, NET2 supporting:BACnet MS/TP up to 76800 bpsOptional Modbus up to 115200 bps8 Binary input, 8 Universal input (0-10 VDC , 10 kΩ Thermistor, 4-20 mA), 8 Relay output (250VAC, 5A), 8 Analog output (0-10V)I
Tomi Engdahl says:
BACnet MSTP, 8DI 8DO
Expansion Module BACnet MSTP, 8DI 8DO
https://hackaday.io/project/169943-bacnet-mstp-8di-8do
Tomi Engdahl says:
Which IEC 61131-3 programming language is best? Part 1
https://www.controleng.com/articles/which-iec-61131-3-programming-language-is-best-part-1/
With so many programmable logic controller (PLC) programming languages and standards from which to choose, what is the right choice for automation and controls applications? Part 1 provides an overview and focuses on Ladder Diagram (LD) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC).
Which IEC 61131-3 Programming Language is best? Part 2
https://www.controleng.com/articles/which-iec-61131-3-programming-language-is-best-part-2/?oly_enc_id=0462E3054934E2U
With many programmable logic controller (PLC) programming languages and standards from which to choose, select the best language for specific automation and controls applications. Part 2 focuses on function block diagram (FBD), continuous function chart (CFC) and structured text (ST).
Tomi Engdahl says:
Sequent’s 8-MOSFET Switches Up to 64 High-Voltage, High-Current DC Loads on a Single Raspberry Pi
https://www.hackster.io/news/sequent-s-8-mosfet-switches-up-to-64-high-voltage-high-current-dc-loads-on-a-single-raspberry-pi-408665cf3afe
Stackable board design allows for expansion in groups of eight up to 64 MOSFETs per Raspberry Pi, and includes two DIN mount options.
Sequent Microsystems is preparing to launch another add-on board for the Raspberry Pi family of single-board computers (SBCs) — or anything capable of talking I2C; this time offering the ability to switch up to 64 DC loads at voltages as high as 250V from a single Raspberry Pi.
“When looking to drive high loads with a microprocessor, hardware designers typically turn to relays, in part because relatively inexpensive relays are still quite reliable under most circumstances,” explains Sequent’s Mihai Beffa. “While they tend to perform well under AC loads, however, they fall short when faced with high DC voltages, fast switching times, and endurance requirements. Which is where 8-MOSFET comes in.”
Switching from relays to MOSFETs now only brings support for higher DC voltages, Sequent claims, but also offers switching times as low as 0.1ms and high endurance. The basic eight-module board can drive four 24V loads at 10A, and another four 240V loads at 2A — simultaneously.
“8-MOSFET employs industrial-grade, pluggable connectors that facilitate field installation and debugging. Status LEDs show when MOSFETs are on or off,” Beffa adds. “And it’s scalable. Up to eight cards can be stacked on top of a single Raspberry Pi, giving your Pi the ability to drive up to 64 loads. And, because 8-MOSFET only occupies the I2C, you’ll still have 24 GPIO pins to use for other applications.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
To help his students learn about the basics of PLC, this teacher created an OpenPLC traffic light with Arduino.
Using PLC Languages to Control an Arduino with OpenPLC © GPL3+
https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/florenmichael/using-plc-languages-to-control-an-arduino-with-openplc-d17632
I was looking for ways to teach students the basics of PLC and found the OpenPLC project. Opensource, free and uses the IEC 61131 standard.
Using OpenPLC to write code and control an Arduino
This video is in no way a step by step guide but a small demonstration what is possible using openPLC. It is also a nice step to start learning PLC language an advance your skill level. You will come across many differences when u are used to programming in C++ or Python.
The programming structure is conform with the IEC 61131-3 standard witch all major brands of PLC are also conform to.
To recap, if you would like to learn programming in PLC languages and testing them with Arduino this is a low budget step to do so.
On the website https://www.openplcproject.com/ is a good explanation on how to get started with your first project.
This the code you have to upload to the Arduino so it will function as a slave for the OpenPLC.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Available in Mini, Standard, and Max configurations, these IIoT modules support up to the top-end 8GB RAM 32GB eMMC Compute Module 4.
https://www.hackster.io/news/techbase-s-modberry-500-industrial-iot-systems-get-a-raspberry-pi-compute-module-4-upgrade-91bfdf0d200a
Available in Mini, Standard, and Max configurations, these IIoT modules support up to the top-end 8GB RAM 32GB eMMC Compute Module 4.
Tomi Engdahl says:
http://linuxgizmos.com/raspberry-pi-panel-pcs-upgrade-to-cm3-and-expand-to-a-half-dozen-models/
Tomi Engdahl says:
This stackable board design allows for expansion in groups of eight up to 64 MOSFETs per Raspberry Pi, and includes two DIN mount options.
Sequent’s 8-MOSFET Switches Up to 64 High-Voltage, High-Current DC Loads on a Single Raspberry Pi
https://www.hackster.io/news/sequent-s-8-mosfet-switches-up-to-64-high-voltage-high-current-dc-loads-on-a-single-raspberry-pi-408665cf3afe
Stackable board design allows for expansion in groups of eight up to 64 MOSFETs per Raspberry Pi, and includes two DIN mount options.
Tomi Engdahl says:
The ArduiBox MKR is Hartmut Wendt’s new DIN rail enclosure kit for Portenta H7 and MKR family boards: https://bit.ly/3pEohN2
Tomi Engdahl says:
[20,28€ 26% OFF]Waveshare® 8-channel 5V Relay Module Expansion Board with Optocoupler Isolation Support for Jetson Nano PLC Module Board from Electronic Components & Supplies on banggood
https://banggood.app.link/gwNVdPyqFbb
Tomi Engdahl says:
Edge Devices Launches Upgraded Pi-oT 2 Raspberry Pi 4-Powered IoT Module — with Built-In UPS
New IoT module is available in standard, UPS-backed +Plus, and a Precision model with 12-bit ADC, four 24V inputs, and RS485 support.
https://www.hackster.io/news/edge-devices-launches-upgraded-pi-ot-2-raspberry-pi-4-powered-iot-module-with-built-in-ups-83c74d9937f8
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://plcscadaacademy.blogspot.com/?m=1
Tomi Engdahl says:
Raspberry Pi Launches Support For Industrial Customers
https://www.tomshardware.com/news/raspberry-pi-industrial-support
Tomi Engdahl says:
Soft PLCs: The industrial innovator’s dilemma
https://iot-analytics.com/soft-plc-industrial-innovators-dilemma/
Tomi Engdahl says:
Sequent Microsystems’ Latest Board Adds Up to 128 Opto-Isolated Inputs, RS-485 to Your Raspberry Pi
Designed to stack up to eight high, the new board offers fully isolated inputs for up to 240V AC or DC and a handy RS-485 port.
https://www.hackster.io/news/sequent-microsystems-latest-board-adds-up-to-128-opto-isolated-inputs-rs-485-to-your-raspberry-pi-62fa070438b9
Tomi Engdahl says:
Hudson Sonoma’s RS-485 Modbus FeatherWing Is an Open Source Add-On for the Particle Boron, Argon
https://www.hackster.io/news/hudson-sonoma-s-rs-485-modbus-featherwing-is-an-open-source-add-on-for-the-particle-boron-argon-d56bf3b9edc2
MIT-licensed design comes complete with two sample firmware projects focusing on temperature controllers and PLCs.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Raspberry Pistä tehtiin täysiverinen teollisuustietokone
https://etn.fi/index.php/13-news/11974-raspberry-pista-tehtiin-taysiverinen-teollisuustietokone
OnLogic uskoo, että kortti on valmis raskaaseen sarjaan. Pistä on tehty täysiverinen teollisuustietokone.
OnLogic julkisti tulevan Raspberry Pi -pohjaisen koneensa maaliskuussa kansainvälisenä Pi-päivänä. Koneen mitat ovat 102,5 x 129 x 38 millimetriä. Se pohjautuu Compute Module 4 -korttiin.
Sinänsä laite on varsin yksinkertainen. Raspberry Pi -moduulin lisäksi koneeseen on lisätty alumiiniset jäähdytyselementit
https://www.onlogic.com/industrial-raspberry-pi/
Harnessing the power of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4), OnLogic is bringing Pi to the edge of industrial ARM computing and IoT.
We have to say “specifications subject to change prior to release”…
Dimensions: 102.5 x 129 x 38 mm
Raspberry Pi CM4 SOM Processor
Up to 8 GB Onboard LPDDR4 Memory
Up to 32 GB Onboard eMMC Storage
M.2 2280 SATA Storage
Key Available I/O
2 GbE LAN ports
1 RS-232/422/485 Terminal Block
1 Micro-USB for OTG
3 USB Ports(1x 3.2 + 2x 2.0)
1 Micro-HDMI port
Tomi Engdahl says:
This add-on board includes six quick-connect 250VAC/16A relays and 10 spare GPIOs courtesy of an MCP23017 expander.
Dan Jones’ Appliance HAT Gives Your Raspberry Pi Six Quick-Connect Relays with a Smart Web GUI
https://www.hackster.io/news/dan-jones-appliance-hat-gives-your-raspberry-pi-six-quick-connect-relays-with-a-smart-web-gui-f02bbd293816
Add-on board includes six quick-connect 250VAC/16A relays and 10 spare GPIOs courtesy of an MCP23017 expander.
“The Appliance HAT is an I/O automation board for Raspberry Pi with six opto-isolated quick connect power relays,” Jones explains. “Designed for switching household appliances, industrial control or home automation. Unlike similar products, the Appliance HAT does not require any screw terminals or PCB wire connections. Instead it uses quick connect power relays with integrated spade terminals, which allows six 16A / 250V AC rated power relays to fit onto a single HAT.”
Based around the Microchip MCP23017 16-channel input/output expander, the Appliance HAT communicates with the host device over I2C and supports 3.3V or 5V logic. Six of the expander’s channels are used for the on-board relays, while the remaining 10 are left free for other uses.
The project isn’t purely about the hardware, though: Jones has also developed a graphical user interface which runs in a borwser, allowing for code-free development on the platform. “It is designed to be both a user guide & quick reference to the Appliance HAT pinout,” Jones explains. “The GUI is fully responsive and adapts to any screen size.”
The HAT is primarily designed for the Raspberry Pi family of single-board computers and has been tested on the family from the original Raspberry Pi through to the latest Raspberry Pi 4 and compact Raspberry Pi Zero; it’s also compatible with other boards which boast the same pinout, including the Asus Tinker Board, Orange Pi range, and Odroid family, and has also been tested on the ATMegaZero microcontroller board.
The Appliance HAT is now available from Jones’ Tindie store at $70, with Python example code and documentation available on the project’s GitHub repository.
https://github.com/plasmadancom/Appliance-HAT
Tomi Engdahl says:
Arduino based PLC controllers:
Unipi Neuron S103
https://www.unipi.technology/unipi-neuron-s103-p93
Unipi Neuron S103 is a programmable logic controller designed for automation, control, regulation and monitoring. The S103’s universal architecture includes digital and analog I/Os, making it suitable for simple installations. The controller also features a single RS485 serial interface and a 1-Wire interface for connecting digital humidity or temperature sensors. A stand-alone S103 (Raspberry Pi 4) variant powered by Raspberry Pi 4 Model B computer is available
Unipi Neuron S103-G
https://www.unipi.technology/unipi-neuron-s103-g-p107
Unipi Neuron S103-G is a programmable logic controller designed for automation, control, regulation and monitoring. The S103-G’s universal architecture includes digital and analog I/Os, making it suitable for simple installations. As a special feature, the S103-G is also equipped with an integrated GSM/GPRS functionality for internet access or sending/receiving SMS messages. The controller is also provided with a single RS485 serial interface and a 1-Wire interface for connection of digital humidity or temperature sensors.
Tomi Engdahl says:
Compact ClusBerry-2M Packs Two Raspberry Pi Compute Modules 4s for Industrial Clustering Work
https://www.hackster.io/news/compact-clusberry-2m-packs-two-raspberry-pi-compute-modules-4s-for-industrial-clustering-work-69ebd7c20edf
Following the company’s earlier eight-module ClusBerry launch, the ClusBerry-2M scales down to two for a lower-cost cluster.
Industrial computing specialist TECHBASE Group is preparing to launch a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 carrier with a difference: It can accept two Compute Module 4 boards at once.
Designed alongside the company’s more traditional ModBerry 500-CM4 and AI Gateway 9500-CM4 products, which adapt the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 system-on-module family for industrial use, the ClusBerry CM4 is a very different beast. “[The] main difference between standard Gateway and ClusBerry is the possibility to include multiple Compute Module 4 [boards] in one device,” the company explains, “as well as the intended suitable amount of wired and wireless interfaces, suited for the project.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
This DIN-mountable Arduino Portenta aims to add edge computing and AI to otherwise-disconnected industrial equipment.
Arduino’s Pro Range Gains an Industrial IoT Powerhouse: Meet the Portenta Machine Control
https://www.hackster.io/news/arduino-s-pro-range-gains-an-industrial-iot-powerhouse-meet-the-portenta-machine-control-9bfca2877913
This $355 DIN-mountable Portenta aims to add edge computing and AI to otherwise-disconnected industrial equipment.