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We are Unipi technology - developers and manufacturers of programmable logic controllers, gateways, sensors and systems for smart home, building management systems, industry and automation projects.
Our vision is simple - to deliver products that do not limit their users and provide them with a wide spectrum of applications thanks to a complete software openness, broad options of communication and customization, and compatibility with products of other manufacturers. Our controllers are used in thousands of successful projects in over 65 countries across the globe.
Roots of Unipi technology can be traced back to 1994. In this year, the Faster CZ company was established. During preparations to move into the current residency, a vision of an economic data centre control and a regulation system was created. Our goal was to create a technological solution that would allow us to control and regulate all aspects of the data centre (cooling, energy supply and regulation, lighting, air conditioning etc.) as simply and economically as possible. In 2013, we thus launched the development of a custom system that would utilize open-source platforms as much as possible.
The introduction of the Raspberry Pi was a small revolution. Its development originated from a requirement for a so-called credit-sized computer - literally a computer with the size of a credit card. But despite its size, Raspberry Pi is a fully-fledged computer that can be used like any other PC and features an excellent computing performance. With Raspberry Pi available, we reworked our project to integrate it. That way, Raspberry Pi became the basis for all of our subsequent work.
The development resulted in Unipi 1.1. Simply put, it is an extension board for Raspberry Pi that provides it with “ears, eyes and hands” in form of 14 digital inputs, 8 changeover relay outputs, a pair of analog inputs and a single analog output. The board is compatible with all Raspberry Pi Models (from the original Model B+ up to the recent Pi 4 Model B) and features a 1-Wire bus and an integrated EEPROM memory.
Based on the experience gained during the development and sale of Unipi 1.1, the design underwent an extensive rework resulting in a second generation - the Unipi Neuron. Compared to the 1.1 variant, the Neuron features many advantages - it is extendable, has a fully modular construction and all of its components are protected by a durable aluminium chassis. The entry S103 model, both the basic and the most universal controller of the entire product line, features 4 digital inputs, 4 digital outputs, single analog input and output, and also a single connector for the universal RS485 bus.
By the introduction of the OEM solutions, our customers gained the option to customize Neuron controllers according to their requirements and without the need to invest in developing their own solution. Customers now had the opportunity to create custom graphic design and colour of the aluminium chassis, and also to modify the combination of inputs, outputs and communication interfaces.
Only a few months after the introduction of the Neuron OEM, we introduced the Neuron 500 line focused on a higher number of analog I/Os that currently consists of M523, L523 and L533 models. These controllers offer up to nine analog inputs/outputs and up to three RS485 interfaces.
In March 2018, we introduced a brand-new Unipi Axon product line on the AMPER international trade fair. Axon is based on the Neuron line but replaces Raspberry Pi with an industrial computer powered by quad-core Allwinner H5 ARM CPU with 1.2GHz frequency, 1GB RAM and 8GB eMMC onboard memory. The basic model of the line is Axon S105 featuring four digital I/O's, single analog I/O, RS485 & RS232 lines and a 1-Wire bus connector.
As part of further development of the Axon line, new Axon M265 LTE and M565 LTE were introduced in 2019, featuring an interface for communication via the LTE wireless network. We elaborated further on these models in this article and the corresponding case study.
We introduced new indoor air quality sensors that offer the ability to measure up to six parameters in a single compact package. Aside from that, the sensors also feature broad connectivity (including wireless technologies), compact size, easy installation and a web user interface. Click here to learn more.
In fall 2020 we introduced Unipi Patron - a product line of PLCs designed as a successor to Axon controllers. Patron represents a true breakthrough of Unipi PLC development, as it is the first product based on the Unipi-developed computing module powered by i.MX 8M Mini processor (4× Arm® Cortex®-A53) with 1GB RAM and 8GB eMMC onboard memory. Using our own platform allows us to provide technical support on all levels along with wide options for custom development. You can learn more about Unipi Patron on this page.
In December 2020 we launched the Unipi Gate - a programmable Ethernet/RS485 Linux IoT gateway and logic controller. Thanks to its compact size, sufficient computing performance and software openness the Gate represents an ideal solution for a variety of projects within industrial automation, building management systems and other automation projects. Aside from the pre-installed Node-RED solution, customers can also use their own software or any supported third-party SW platform thanks to Gate’s software openness. For more info about Unipi Gate please visit this link.
In the summer of 2021, we introduced the Unipi Zulu, the smallest single-board computer (SBC) we developed. Compact size, high computing power, and software openness allow the use of Unipi Zulu in a wide range of applications such as embedded systems, industry 4.0, IoT platforms, or edge computing. Learn more about Unipi Zulu here.
The project entitled "Development of controlling software for lighting system based on DALI", registration number CZ.01.1.02/0.0/0.0/18_215/0023050, is co-financed by the European Union under the Operational Programme Enterprise and Innovations for Competitiveness (OP EIC) in under the Call: Application - Call VIII and PRIORITY AXIS 1: "Promotion of research and development for innovation". On the basis of the support application, the project was accepted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic as eligible for a subsidy implementation of the DALI communication protocol into the building automation system.
Project start: 1. 7. 2020
Project completion date: 30. 11. 2020
Project realization: Jarní 1064/44g, Maloměřice, 614 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
The main goal of the project is the implementation of the communication protocol DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) for lighting control in smart buildings. It will be possible to easily assign or group lights after installation without changes in wiring, f.e. on the basis of changes in the rooms' usage. More complex lighting control systems using the DALI protocol will be possible with the use of the internal system of contracting authority, i.e. FASTER CZ spol. s r.o. integrate into the overall automation of smart buildings.
The project entitled "Výzkum a vývoj nové generace převodníků pro průmysl 4.0 a "chytré" budovy", registration number CZ.01.1.02/0.0/0.0/20_321/0024432, is co-financed by the European Union under the Operational Programme Enterprise and Innovations for Competitiveness (OP EIC) in under the Call: Application - Call VIII and PRIORITY AXIS 1: "Promotion of research and development for innovation". On the basis of the support application dated December 14, 2020, the project was accepted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic on the basis of the Decision to provide a subsidy No. MPO 396953/21/61200/549 as eligible for a subsidy for research and development of communication devices (gateways) and controllers.
Project start: 1. 1. 2021
Planned project completion date: 31. 5. 2023
Project realization: Jarní 1064/44g, Maloměřice, 614 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
The aim of the project is research and development of a completely new generation of sophisticated communication devices (gateways) and controllers, which will improve the quality of control and monitoring of automated production units in industrial buildings, office buildings or smart homes.
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