Industrial controller compatible with Arduino, Industruino

Currently, in the creation of automated lines, workshops and factories, microprocessor systems with a wide range of action are widely used. The use of microprocessor systems as part of industrial equipment made it possible to simultaneously reduce its costs by an order of magnitude compared to systems based on elements with a low and medium degree of integration, implementing similar functions. Their introduction was accompanied by a sharp reduction in the weight, dimensions and power consumption of the systems.

Controller in the control cabinet

Rice. 1. Controller in the control cabinet

Systems intended for special use in the automation of various processes are called controllers. Many different controllers are used in industry today. All of them are aimed at solving problems in the field of automation.

Recently, there has been a trend in development platformArduino It is a hardware and software tool for building simple automation and robotics systems aimed at non-professional users. Based on this platform, Industruino was created — it is an Arduino-compatible industrial controller (Fig.2), distinguished by ease of use and price.

Arduino compatible industrial controller

Fig. 2. Compatible with Arduino industrial controller

The industrial controller is powered by 12 / 24V DC.

The controller is equipped with the following inputs/outputs:

  • 4 analog inputs for connecting sensors with 0–20mA or 0–10V output signals. An analog signal arriving at each input is converted to an 18-bit digital code;

  • 2 analog outputs designed to connect executive devices with 0–20mA or 0–10V input signals. Each output converts a 12-bit digital code to one of the specified analog signals;

  • 8 digital (discrete) galvanically isolated inputs with voltage up to 32V DC;

  • 8 digital (discrete) galvanically isolated outputs rated at 2.6A each.

In addition, the controller supports information exchange via Ethernet protocol thanks to a special communication module. It is also possible to connect the controller to other devices via the Modbus (RS-485) protocol.

Expanded view of the Industruino controller

Rice. 2. Disassembled Industruino controller

The programming language of the industrial controller is based on C / C ++. It is easy to learn and currently the most convenient way to program microcontroller devices. In fig. 3 shows the main application areas of the Industruino industrial controller.

Applications of the industrial controller Industruino

Rice. 3. Fields of application of the industrial controller Industruino

Thus, the Industruino industrial controller has all the technical characteristics necessary for its use as part of modern process management systems… The advantage is the ease of programming and connecting external devices. As a disadvantage, you can point to a small number of inputs / outputs, which limits its use in the automation of large industrial facilities.However, the controller can be successfully used in automation system projects for small and simple control objects.

Khaibulin D.R.

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