UniPi Axon M515

UniPi Axon M515 is a programmable logic controller (PLC) designed for control, monitoring and regulation. The M515 is based on the M505 model, but with four digital I/Os being replaced by additional analog I/Os for the total of 8× AI + 8× AO.

Features

• focused on a high number of I/Os
• highest number of analog I/Os, four serial lines (RS485 + RS232)
• durable aluminium chassis (IP20 protection), wider operating temperature range
• integrated industrial computer (quad-core CPU, 1 GB RAM)
• onboard 8GB eMMC memory
• designed for DIN rail mounting
• RS485 and RS232 serial lines
• software openness (based on Linux OS)
• preinstalled Mervis software (can be manually reflashed)

The UniPi Axon M515 features an increased number of analogue I/O's. In contrast to the M505 model, the M515 has digital outputs and four digital inputs replaced by three additional analogues I/O modules. The unit thus features 8 analogue I/O's. Relay outputs and a pair of RS485 were retained with the 1-Wire bus being replaced by an RS232 line.

Basic features

*more detailed info about the number and type of analogue I/Os is available in the product's datasheet (see the Files tab above)

Inputs & outputs description

Digital inputs (DI) are designed to read binary logic states represented by direct voltage levels. That makes them suitable for reading data from various binary sensors and devices such as switches (on/off), motion sensors (movement detected/not detected), liquid level sensors (full tank/empty tank) etc. 

Relay outputs (RO) are primarily used for switching two-state devices with higher current draw such as lightbulbs, thermoelectric valve drives, water heaters, pumps etc.

Analogue inputs (AI) are designed to measure voltage, current or resistance to read values from various analogue sensors such as thermometers, pressure meters, tensometers etc.

Analogue outputs (AO) serve for control of multi-state external devices through direct voltage or current and is suitable for control and regulation of devices such as three-way valves, heat exchangers, electric motors etc. 

Computing module

As a computing module, the Axon controllers use an industrial computer featuring a quad-core, 1.2GHz Alwinner H5 CPU and 1GB RAM, giving Axons an excellent performance. The 8GB onboard eMMC memory then offers better reliability compared to systems relying on microSD memory cards. 

Communication interfaces

Axon controllers are by default provided with RS485 serial lines. This type of interface usually uses the Modbus RTU protocol and can be used to communicate with various devices such as Extension xS extension modules, energy meters, touchscreen HMI displays, controllers from other vendors, various sensors etc. A single bus can support dozens of devices while the bus' length can reach up to several hundred meters.

Selected models also feature a single RS232 serial line. In the field of automation, this interface is usually used for communication with various converters, closed-in technologies or display devices such as HMI panels. 

A single 1-Wire bus is also featured on selected models. This interface uses 2-3 conductors for collecting data from various 1-Wire sensors such as thermometers, humidity meters, light intensity sensors etc.). A single 1-Wire bus supports up to 15 devices, the overall length of the bus can reach up to 100 meters. 

All Axon models also feature a single 1Gbit Ethernet port for network communication. 

Software options

Thanks to the software openness of Unipi controllers customers can choose from a broad range of software solutions and are not limited to a single proprietary platform. Among supported solutions are both commercial and open-source systems. 

The main supported platform for Unipi controllers is the Mervis control system. This platform is developed under the IEC 61131-3 PLC programming standard and consists of comprehensible and user-friendly Mervis IDE development environment, an HMI editor for creating and editing of user interfaces, SCADA interface and an online/on-premise cloud database for long-term collecting of operational data and their analysis. Axon-line controllers are shipped with the Mervis already installed. 

Aside from commercial platforms (such as CODESYS), customers can also choose from a variety of open-source solutions; for the supported software overview please visit this link.

Alternatively, customers can use the Unipi-developed EVOK open-source API to integrate Unipi controllers into already existing software solutions, use custom code or to develop applications for the controllers.

Package contents

• the controller
• removable screw terminals
• DIN rail holder (35 mm)
• 2× DIN rail holder mounting screws
• 1× grounding screw
• instruction leaflet
• lifetime Mervis license code

Other features

All components of the controller are encased within a durable aluminium chassis (IP20 protection). The controller is designed for mounting on a standard DIN rail (35 mm). 

Technical Parameter