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. 

Description

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. 

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 standart Raspbian OS is used, it is necessary to free the UART for the modem by removing “console=serial0,115200” from /boot/cmdline.txt and adding lines “enable_uart=1” and “dtoverlay=pi3-disable-bt” ” to /boot/config.txt. 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 the communication it is necessary to turn the module through the GPIO18 of the RPi via following commands:nds:

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 will start blinking with a blue LED inside the case. The communication with the modem can be verified by sending "AT" command, the modem will reply with "OK".

4 digital inputs (DI) are designed for reading logical states (true or false), which are represented by levels of DC voltage. That makes them suitable for reading two-state sensors such as switches (on/off), movement sensors (movement/no movement), water level sensors (water present, no water) etc. The software detects logical 1 (true) if the input voltage between given DIx.y and DIGND is between 5-30V. If the voltage is lower than 3.5V, the state is evaluated as 0 (false)

4 digital outputs (DO) are used for controlling two-state devices such as lights, door locks, window blinds etc. Digital outputs on our controllers also feature the PWM (Pulse-width modulation) function, enabling a special type of analog control. Outputs are of the NPN type (open collector) and are able to control devices with voltage up to 50V and up to 750mA load current.

1 analog input (AI) can be used for 0-10V DC voltage or 0-20mA current measuring, making them suitable for reading values from analog sensors such as temperature sensors, pressure meters, tensometers etc.

1 analog output (AO) features two modes - 0-10V DC voltage or 0-20mA direct current. AI serves for control of devices with analog input, such as three-way valves, lighting dimmers etc.

More detailed info about I/O usage and settings can be found in Neuron technical documentation (see Files tab above)

Communication interfaces

By standard, all Neuron-line controllers feature a single RS485 serial line for communication with external devices or connection of extension modules, most often through the Modbus RTU protocol. It can be used for communication with a wide variety of devices such as energy meters, touchscreen HMI panels, PLCs from other vendors or Neuron xS series extension modules) using the Modbus RTU protocol. A single RS485 can communicate with up to 32 devices with its total length being up to several hundred meters. The line can be also used as an RS485 gateway for other devices or systems,.

Included is also a single 10/100MBit Ethernet port for network communication and a single 1-Wire bus for connection of various 1-Wire sensors (such as digital thermometers). The 1-Wire bus uses 2 or 3 conductors for communication with simple sensors such as thermometers, humidity meters or light intensity meters. A single bus can communicate with up to 15 sensors with maximum total length of the bus up to 100 meters.

Software options

Customers can choose from a wide variety of software solutions thanks to the open nature of Neuron controllers, and are not limited to a single platform. Available are both professional and open-source solutions.

Our main supported solution for UniPi controllers is the Mervis. This platform is developed in accordance with IEC 61131-3 PLC programming standard and contaiíns SCADA interface for remote management and monitoring, comprehensible development enviroment, user interface (HMI) editor and online/on-premise database for data archivation and retrospective operation analysis of monitored technologies. 

Neuron controllers are also compatible with the CODESYS professional platform. designed specifically for use in modern industrial automation. At the same time, the platform is made to be as user-friendly and easy to use as possible. CODESYS is in widespread use around the globe with more than 100 000 users from various countries and more than 1000 companies.

Aside from commercial platforms, several open-source solutions are available as well. Alternatively, customers can use their own code or implement Neurons into already existing software solutions through the use of EVOK open-source API.

Visit this link for supported software overview. 

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

Other features

All UniPi controllers are able to measure resistance through analog I/Os. Resistance can be measured by either 2-wire or 3-wire method for increased accuracy. Each controller can measure resistance of up to 2kΩ, with some models being able to resistance measure up to 100kΩ. Detailed info about this functionality can be found in Neuron technical documentation. 

All components are encased within a durable anodized aluminium case providing IP20 cover. The unit's size is 4 DIN modules, DIN rail holder is included in the package. 

Package contents

• controller
• pluggable screw terminals
• DIN rail holder (35 mm)
• DIN rail holder screws
• microSD card (optional)
• +24V DC power supply (optional
• Mervis lifetime license

Possible uses

Certification

Neuron is CE and EMC tested and is compliant with all corresponding European PLC standards. In accordance with these standards Neuron can be used in: 

• Residential buildings, apartments
• Commercial areas, offices, banks
• Entertainment areas, cinemas, bars, pubs, dance clubs
• Outdoor places, gas stations, parking lots, sport centers
• Areas of light industry, workshops, laboratories, service centers

Further info

• Neuron series introduction

• Neuron series technological introduction

Technical Parameters

Documentation

Datasheet
Technological specification of the product

Manual
Guide to set up and use this device, technological documentation

Instruction leaflet
Regulatory Compliance and safety information added to each unit

Modbus register map
Table overview of Modbus registers

GPRS module documentation
AT commands specification for custom control