Compared to the Unipi 1.1, which utilize GPIO and I2C as I/O modules, the Neuron communicates with up to three microprocessors connected by a high-speed data bus. Want to know more? Check our detailed comparison!
Axon product line features the same anodized aluminium chassis as on the Neuron line, but in black colour for easy distinction between both product lines. The major difference is in the computing module - Axons are powered by a new industrial computer featuring 1.2GHz Allwinner H5 quad-core ARM CPU and 8GB eMMC onboard memory. Axons thus do not require memory cards as storage, improving their reliability during frequent rewrites. The Axon line also features enhanced functionality due to the newly introduced RS232 serial line, wider operating temperature range and other improvements. The comprehensible comparison can be found on this link.
For the Unipi 1.1/1.1 Lite board, Raspberry Pi is included only as a part of the basic or complete set. All Unipi Neuron controllers then have Raspberry Pi integrated by default. Axon controllers utilize a different solution (see above).
The Neuron product line uses the SD card to store image files of all software platforms. It is thus impossible to load software into Neurons without the SD.
Axon is compatible with most software platforms supported by Neuron products. For the list of supported solutions, please visit this link.
Axon product line is intended primarily for customers who do not wish to base their systems on the Raspberry Pi computer. Axon thus represents rather a variant of Neuron than its replacement
The module was phased out of production and is no longer available. We replaced the module with the Neuron 500 line, consisting of M523, L523 and L533 models. Alternatively, you can use the xS51 extension module, featuring 4 analogue I/Os.
Unipi 1.1/1.1 Lite and Unipi Neuron controllers are delivered without software. Before their use, it is thus necessary to manually install it. Customers can choose from a wide variety of supported solutions ranging from professional platforms to open-source software. Install the software according to its installation manual.
Unipi Axon controllers are by default delivered with pre-installed Mervis software. The software can be however manually re-flashed and replaced by any other supported software. Re-flashing guide can be found in Axon manual delivered with each controller.
If you use a 2.3.0 version of the Mervis IDE development environment or newer, you will need a licence for the Mervis Runtime - software running on the controller that executes control logic created in Mervis IDE. Without a licence, the runtime will be functional only for 20 minutes, after which the control program will stop. During this trial period, you can freely access all features and functions of Mervis. After the trial period's expiration, full functionality can be restored only by a successful licencing.
For each Unipi Neuron and Unipi Axon controller, a paper licence request is included in the package. For Unipi 1.1/Unipi 1.1 Lite products the licence can be obtained either by purchasing a corresponding complete set or purchased separately as a standalone product. A licencing tutorial is available on this link.
The new licencing system applies only to Mervis IDE v2.3.0. If your projects use the Mervis IDE 2.2.0 or older, you do not need to perform any changes. Licencing must be performed only when transferring your project to the Mervis IDE 2.3.0 - in that case, all you need to do is to licence Mervis Runtime using your already obtained licence cards.
For the EVOK platform install, you can use either Raspbian Jessie or Raspbian Stretch image, or our Unipian image. Regarding Mervis, it is possible to use only the Unipian, as it contains custom low-level applications, which provide the system with a fast-control environment required.
Don‘t worry. Besides a brief description of possible solutions, we prepared a short software guide to help you with choosing the ideal software for you.
Neuron firmware is provided as part of our image files. When the latest Unipian is booted, the latest version of firmware is automatically flashed into the unit. If you need to update the firmware manually, you need to use our firmware update tool, requiring a USB-to-RS485 converter.
The answer depends on the particular software platform used. With EVOK, it is possible to use Raspberry Jessie or Raspberry Strech in addition to the default Unipian. With Mervis however, it is necessary to use our Unipian image, as it contains several special low-level applications creating a control interface needed by said platforms.
We are ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified. All our products are compliant with the CE certificate. The list of norms and standards Unipi products are compliant with is available in product datasheets that are available in the product documentation on this link.