UniPi Neuron M203

UniPi Neuron M203 is a programmable logic controller (PLC) designed for control, monitoring and regulation. The M203 PLC offers the same combination of digital and analog I/O along with relay outputs as the M103, but is provided with an additional I/O group increasing the number of digital inputs and relay outputs. 

Features

• universal architecture, additional digital inputs/relay outputs I/O board
• 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 M203 offers the same combination of digital and analogue I/O modules and relay outputs as the M103 unit, but in contrast with the M103, it features an additional group of digital inputs and relay outputs. The M203 thus offers a higher number of I/Os than the M103 while retaining the same size. 

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. 

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 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

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 Parameters