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Compact controller
One Device — Fully Packed. Get your projects done with RevPi Compact, the open source device based on Raspberry Pi.
The RevPi Compact is an open source compact controller based on the Raspberry Pi. Equipped with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+, the control system has a quad-core processor with 1.2 GHz, 1 GB RAM and 8 GB eMMC flash memory.
The open platform concept (including full root rights) allows the user maximum freedom of design when implementing his projects. To connect sensors and actuators, the RevPi Compact is equipped with eight digital and analog inputs as well as eight digital and two analog outputs. Two Ethernet interfaces (each with its own MAC address) enable the device to be integrated simultaneously in two different networks. The device also has a 4-pole RS485 interface with screw terminals.
The RevPi Compact is an open source compact controller based on the Raspberry Pi. Equipped with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+, the control system has a quad-core processor with 1.2 GHz, 1 GB RAM and 8 GB eMMC flash memory.
The open platform concept (including full root rights) allows the user maximum freedom of design when implementing his projects. To connect sensors and actuators, the RevPi Compact is equipped with eight digital and analog inputs as well as eight digital and two analog outputs. Two Ethernet interfaces (each with its own MAC address) enable the device to be integrated simultaneously in two different networks. The device also has a 4-pole RS485 interface with screw terminals.
Special features:
The low profile design allows the device to be installed in sub-distribution systems, which are commonly found in building automation. The operating system used is an adapted Raspbian with a real-time patch. Individual applications can be programmed via Node-RED, Python or directly in C. The popular industrial protocols Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP are supported as standard. Those who do not want to program themselves can optionally use professional soft PLC and SCADA software for control and visualization.
For whom?
Automation Engineers — can use the device's large number of I/O interfaces, real-time capabilities, and support for industrial protocols to implement automation control systems for their production processes.
Control System Integrators — can use the RevPi Compact's open source nature and support for multiple programming languages to integrate it into existing control systems and make it a part of a larger automation solution.
Maintenance Technicians — can use the device's real-time capabilities and robust hardware
to monitor and control production processes, ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently.
to monitor and control production processes, ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently.
IoT Solution Developers — can use the RevPi Compact's support for cloud protocols and the ability to connect to multiple networks
to develop IoT solutions for their production processes.
to develop IoT solutions for their production processes.
Technical information
Compact controller
Technical features
- Large number of I/O interfaces integrated :
- Modbus capabilities:
The RevPi Compact already has master and slave capability for the popular network protocols Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP. Modbus TCP works with the RevPi Compact’s existing Ethernet interfaces (i.e. via the RJ45 sockets on the front panel) or any other added Ethernet connection (e.g. USB WLAN adapter) that provides the TCP/IP protocol. Modbus RTU can be implemented via
the 4-pin RS485 connector. The master and slave configuration is controlled by our browser-based, graphical configuration software PiCtory.
- Simultaneous operation in two networks:
The two separate Ethernet interfaces of the RevPi Compact allow the device to be integrated into two different networks at the same time. For example, sensor data from the OT network can be transferred from the shop floor to the RevPi Compact via Modbus TCP and sent further into the cloud or a higher-level IT system using MQTT or OPC UA.
Modbus capabilities
Node-RED :
The pre-installed open source software Node-RED is an excellent tool for the realisation of simple automation tasks and rapid prototyping.
Real industrial suitability :
One of our key goals was to give the Raspberry Pi real industrial capability to turn it into a true compact control system. That`s why the DIN rail housing of the RevPi Compact is fitted with robust 24 V industrial hardware that complies with the EN 61131-2 standard.
Even though Revolution Pi is an open system where everyone can install their own operating system and software, we have tried to provide Revolution Pi with software and apps that cover most use cases. As operating system we use a customized version of Raspbian, which among other things has a real-time patch of the kernel. In our opinion this is the best compromise to stay as close as possible to the original development environment of a Raspberry Pi and still get a high level of control over the priorities of the tasks the scheduler manages.
With this modified kernel, the scheduler that controls the execution of tasks by the operating system can be extensively configured to avoid the delays usually caused by network and other I/O accesses. Suitable drivers for the expansion modules are of course already pre-installed.
The pre-installed open source software Node-RED is an excellent tool for the realisation of simple automation tasks and rapid prototyping.
Real industrial suitability :
One of our key goals was to give the Raspberry Pi real industrial capability to turn it into a true compact control system. That`s why the DIN rail housing of the RevPi Compact is fitted with robust 24 V industrial hardware that complies with the EN 61131-2 standard.
- Power supply: typ. 24 V DC (10.8 … 28.8 V DC)
- Operating temperature: -20 °C …. +55 °C
- EMC interference emission according to EN 61000-6-4
- EMC immunity according to EN 61000-6-2
Even though Revolution Pi is an open system where everyone can install their own operating system and software, we have tried to provide Revolution Pi with software and apps that cover most use cases. As operating system we use a customized version of Raspbian, which among other things has a real-time patch of the kernel. In our opinion this is the best compromise to stay as close as possible to the original development environment of a Raspberry Pi and still get a high level of control over the priorities of the tasks the scheduler manages.
With this modified kernel, the scheduler that controls the execution of tasks by the operating system can be extensively configured to avoid the delays usually caused by network and other I/O accesses. Suitable drivers for the expansion modules are of course already pre-installed.
Interfaces
- 2 x RJ45 10/100 Ethernet (using separate MAC adresses)
- 4 x USB A (total current draw from all sockets max. 2 A)
- 1 x HDMI socket
- 1 x Micro-USB (solely for image transfer to eMMC)
- 1 x RS485 max. 500 kbps, termination switchable by software (not galvanically isolated)
- 8 x digital Inputs
- Input threshold: At 24 V DC compatible to type I and III sensors according to EN 61131-2
- 8 x digital Outputs
- High-side with 10 k pull-down resistor, short-circuit proof (internal temperature switch-off), potential separation system/digital outputs.
- Maximum current load: Per output: 500 mA @ 24 V DC (resistive load!).
- Sum of all outputs: max. 2 A @ 24 V DC (resistive load!)
- 8 x analog Inputs
- 0-10 V DC, single ended, 16 Bit at piControl, 21 Bit raw value, software switchable current source 2.5 mA
- 2 x analog Outputs
- 0-10 V, short-circuit proof, protection against backfeeding, 8-bit resolution,
- 1 % accuracy, max. current load 10 mA (10 V DC @ 1 k)