I’ve just noticed Boot&Work Corp was now offering an “Industrial Shields” branded PLC industrial computer powered by Raspberry Pi 4 SBC. We previously covered the company in 2017 at a time when they provided Arduino-based PLC modules optionally controlled with 10.1-inch panel PCs based on ARM Linux SBCs such as Raspberry Pi or Banana Pi.
The “Raspberry Pi PLC Industrial Controller” is offered with either optoisolated outputs or relay outputs, and optional GPRS connectivity. The Linux PLC is equipped with up to 36 digital inputs, 16 analog inputs, 8 analog outputs, and 6 interrupts, as well as communication interfaces such as CAN bus, up to 2x Ethernet ports, dual RS-485, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
Raspberry Pi PLC Industrial Controller basic specifications:
- Single board computer – Raspberry Pi 4 SBC with 2GB to 8GB RAM, WiFi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- Storage – 8GB MicroSD card
- Video Output – 2x Micro HDMI ports up to 4Kp60
- Networking – 2x Ethernet ports: the Gigabit Ethernet port from RPi SBC, and an Ethernet port via W5500 SPI to Ethernet chip
- USB – 4x USB ports (2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0)
- I/Os
- I2C, 2x RS485, SPI, Serial TTL, CAN via terminal blocks
- Voltage Range
- Analog I/Os: 0~10V DC
- Digital isolation I/Os: 5~24V DC
- Misc – RTC with coin-cell battery backup
- Input Voltage – 12~24V DC (2.5A fuse protection, polarity protection)
- Input Rated Voltage – 24V DC
- Rated Power – 30W
- Maximum Current – 1.5A
- Operating Voltage Range – 11.4~25.4V DC
- Dimensions – 119.5 mm (H) x 101 mm (D) x variable width from 84.60 to 158.40 mm depending on options
- Weight – 370 to 710 grams depending on options.
- Temperature Range
- Operating: 0º to 50ºC with Raspberry OS Lite, or 0º to 40ºC with Raspberry OS Desktop
- Storage: -20~60
- Humidity – 10%~90% (non-condensing)
The PLC runs Raspberry Pi OS, but there does not seem to be any specific software provided for the PLC with only basic Linux configuration commands shown in the user manual. I first found the PLC on DFRobot where only two models are shown with either optoisolated outputs or relay outputs, but the user manual lists a wide range of models with different RAM, I/I and connectivity configurations.
The models sold on DFRobot go for just under $400, but we don’t know the exact Raspberry Pi 4 model used, and the configuration options are not clearly listed either. So if you’re interested you might just be better off purchasing the PLC directly from the Industrial Shields store with pricing starting at 242.18 Euros and options clearly defined. Alternatively, you could also have a look at some PLCs based on Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 such as Modberry 500 CM4 or OpenEmbed EdgeBox-RPI4 that aim at the same target markets, but with a different mix of features.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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The housing appears to be an Italtronics Railbox. Be careful when you open this housing, otherwise the retaining clips break off. The plastic is quite hard and brittle compared to e.g. Phoenix.