Unipi Neuron S103-IQRF

UniPi Neuron S103-IQRF is a programmable logic controller (PLC) and gateway, designed to be used as a controller for control, regulation and monitoring. The S103-IQRFmodel  is a specialised variant featuring the TR-76D smart IQRF transceiver, allowing for interoperability with various IQRF devices.

Features

• universal architecture
• TR-76D smart IQRF transceiver
• 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)

Caution: This model is not compatible with Mervis

Product description

The S103-IQRF model is a specialised variant of the Neuron S103. Its architecture uses the same combination and number of I/Os, but additionally features the TR-76D smart wireless transceiver, using the IQRF Technology wireless standard. This feature allows the controller to communicate with all devices using the same IQRF network.

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 TR-76D transceiver, operating on 868 or 916 MHz bands (can be configured through a corresponding software) and utilizing the IQRF Technology wireless standard. This standard uses a highly reliable wireless mesh communication broadcasted on sub-gigahertz bands. Such technology has two main advantages – long signal range and low power consumption. Thanks to the long-range, the user does not have to use repeaters or base stations to extend the signal range, and due to using a patented Directed Flooding mesh networking protocol, the communication retains its reliability even in harsh RF environments.

The transceiver contains its own microcontroller and operating systém. Above the OS layer, it is possible to add the DPA transport layer containing pre-made hardware profiles. These can be used to quick device setup for needed functionality without any further programming. If needed, there is also a possibility to add a third layer for custom adjustments of the device‘s behaviour. Additionally, an open-source development kit can be used for configuring the transceiver for third-party device connectivity.

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).