Unipi Neuron S103-G

UniPi Neuron S103-G programmable logic controller (PLC) and gateway is designed for control, monitoring and regulation. Aside from standard set of I/Os, the S103-G model features GSM/GPRS module and SIM card slot, allowing the controller to be connected to GSM network. 

Features

• universal architecture
• GSM/GPRS module with removable antenna + SIM card slot
• compact size, durable aluminium chassis (IP20 protection)
• integrated Raspberry Pi Model 3B computer (quad-core CPU, 1 GB RAM)
• designed for DIN rail mounting
• features RS485 serial line for Modbus communication
• software openness (based on Linux OS)
• Mervis lifetime license as part of the package

The S103-G features the same I/O architecture as the basic S103 model but is additionally provided with an integrated Fibocom G510 GSM/GPRS module, removable antenna and a slot for standard SIM card. This functionality allows the controller to be connected to GSM/GPRS network in order to send status reports or system notifications via SMS messages. 

Basic features

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. 

Digital outputs (DI) are intended for switching various binary devices (lighting, smart door locks, drives of shutters and blinds etc.) through direct voltage. DO's also feature a Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) function allowing to use the output for analogue control. 

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

Analogue output (AO) serves 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 Neuron controllers use the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B featuring quad-core 1.2GHz CPU and 1GB RAM. That gives them more than enough performance for various performance-demanding applications. MicroSD memory cards are used as memory storage. 

Communication interfaces

Neuron 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.

A single 1-Wire bus is also included. 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 Neuron models also feature a single 10/100Mbit Ethernet port for network communication

Special features

The S103-G model features a wireless GSM/GPRS module that allows the controller to use the GSM/GPRS network for sending alerts and notifications through the SMS service. 

Note: At the moment, there is no software support for the GSM/GPRS module.

The module can be programmed via AT commands according to the producer's manual. If standard Raspbian OS is used, it is necessary to free the UART for the modem by performing the following steps:

• remove console=serial0,115200 line from the /boot/cmdline.txt file
• add enable_uart=1 and dtoverlay=pi3-disable-bt lines to the /boot/config.txt file.

It is possible to connect to the module from the system via serial link ttyAMA0 (serial link parameters: 115 200 1N8 Bps/Par/Bits, HW flow control OFF).

Before using the module for communication it is necessary to activate the module first through the GPIO18 of the RPi via following commands:

echo 18 > /sys/class/gpio/export
echo out > /sys/class/gpio/gpio18/direction
echo 1 > /sys/class/gpio/gpio18/value
echo 0 > /sys/class/gpio/gpio18/value
sleep 1
echo 1 > /sys/class/gpio/gpio18/value
sleep 2

After running the commands above, the modem's blue LED inside the controller's chassis will start blinking. The communication with the modem can be verified by sending "AT" command, the modem will reply with "OK".

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. 

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

• Neuron 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