Unipi Neuron L503

Basic description

Unipi Neuron L503 is a programmable logic controller (PLC) designed for automation, control, regulation and monitoring. The L503 is an intermediate model of the Neuron 500 line focused on a higher number of analog I/O, but also features a sufficient number of all inputs/outputs available on Unipi products (digital, relay). That makes it suitable for complex projects including measurements and control of analog components. The controller is equipped with two RS485 serial interfaces.

Basic features

*more detailed info about the number and type of analogue I/Os is available in the product's datasheet (see the Files tab above)

Inputs & outputs description

Digital inputs (DI) are designed for reading logic states represented by direct voltage levels. That makes DI's suitable for reading data from various two-state (binary) devices and sensors such as switches (on/off), motion sensors (movement/no movement), liquid level sensors (tank empty/tank full) etc.

Digital outputs (DO) are suited for switching various two-state devices such as lighting, door locks, shutter drives etc. DO's also feature power-width modulation (PWM) functionality that allows them to be used for analog control. 

Relay outputs (RO) serve for switching device with a high current draw, ie. light bulbs, thermoelectric drives, water heaters, pumps, larger external relays etc.

Analog inputs (AI) are designed to measure voltage, current or resistance to read values from various analogue sensors such as thermometers, pressure meters, tensometers etc.

Analog outputs (AO) serve for control of multi-state external devices through direct voltage or current and are suitable for control and regulation of devices such as three-way valves, heat exchangers, electric motors etc. 

Computing module

Neuron controllers are powered by the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B featuring 1.2GHz quad-core CPU and 1 GB RAM and providing high computing power. 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 200 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 platform Among supported solutions are both commercial and open-source systems. Visit the Other software overview for the list of other supported solutions.

The main supported solution is the Mervis control system - a platform developed in accordance with the IEC 61131-3 standard for PLC programming, that includes SCADA interface for remote management and monitoring, a comprehensible development environment, a human-machine interface (HMI) editor and an online/on-premise database for storing historical data and retrospective analysis of the controlled technology's operation. 

Aside from commercial platforms you can also choose any from the list of supported open-source solutions, or use the EVOK API (Websocket, REST,...) Modbus TCP, SysFS or other tools for implementing your own logic in any programming language. Visit this link for the list of supported software solutions. 

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). 

Neuron product line overview

Further information

• Unipi Neuron product line introduction
• Comparison of Unipi Neuron and Unipi Axon lines
• Guide for choosing the right software