Unipi Patron M567 LTE

Product description

Unipi Patron M567 LTE is a programmable logic controller (PLC) designed for automation, control, regulation and monitoring. The M567's architecture is 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 A special feature of the controller is an LTE functionality for a high-speed wireless connection to the internet including sending/receiving SMS messages. The M567 also features three RS485 serial interfaces for connection of extension modules or gateways and a 1-Wire interface for connection of digital temperature or humidity sensors.

Basic features

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

Inputs & outputs description

Digital inputs (DI) are designed for reading states of two-state devices such as various digital sensors, switches and buttons, motion sensors, etc. All digital inputs feature counter functionality by default. 

Digital outputs (DO) are applicable for switching two-state devices using direct current (DC) such as locks, external relays, contactors, etc. DO’s can be also used for analog control thanks to the pulse-width modulation (PWM) function.

Relay outputs (RO) serve for switching devices with higher current draw and devices requiring alternating current (AC) such as water heaters, pumps, contactors, or external relays with the higher switching current.

Analog inputs (AI) are designed to measure voltage, current, or resistance in order to read values from various analog sensors (pressure meters, thermometers, tension gauges, etc.).

Analog outputs (AO) are used to control and regulate devices such as three-way valves, electric motors, inverter drives, heat exchangers, etc. by direct current or voltage.

Computing module

Patron controllers are based on the NXP i.MX 8M Mini platform featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU with 1.8 GHz maximum frequency and 1 GB LPDDR4 RAM. This makes the Patron the most powerful compact PLC available on the market. Internal 8 GB eMMC memory offers higher reliability compared to systems utilizing microSD memory cards.

Special features

The controller features an LTE modem and a microSIM card slot to connect to the LTE wireless network. 

The modem allows the controller to serve as a primary or secondary internet access point for remote management and data transmission through the internet, or for sending and receiving SMS messages. In the role of a primary connection the controller functions as a web access point in locations without a landline internet connection. Secondary connection then comes into play as a backup in case of a primary Ethernet connection failure in technologies reliant on a connection between the technology and a supervision center. In the case of Ethernet failure, the controller automatically switches to the LTE mode, bridging the connection.

Note: The product requires a standard microSIM (0.76mm thickness) card. NanoSIM cards (0.67mm thickness) are not supported. 

Communication interfaces

All Patron controllers feature RS485 serial lines by default. This type of interface usually utilizes the Modbus RTU protocol and can be used for communication 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 its length can reach up to several hundred meters.

Selected models also feature a single RS232 serial line. In the field of automation, this interface is usually used for communication with various converters, closed-in technologies, or display devices such as HMI panels. 

A single 1-Wire bus is included as a standard feature. 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 Patron controllers also feature a 100 Mbit 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. For a software options overview, please visit this link. 

The main supported solution is the Mervis control system - a platform developed under 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 operations. By default, all Patron controllers are shipped with Mervis pre-installed. 

Aside from commercial platforms, you can also choose from the list of supported open-source platforms. Alternatively, you can use any of the available APIs provided by the EVOK service (Websocket, REST, …), Modbus TCP, or SysFS to implement your logic in any programming language. Visit this link for further info.

Other features

Patron PLCs are developed and manufactured in the European Union. Components are protected by a durable aluminum chassis (IP20 protection). Patron controllers are designed for installation to a standard DIN rail (35 mm), DIN holder, and mounting screws are included in the package.

Package contents

• controller with pre-installed Mervis system (can be re-installed manually)
• removable screw terminals
• DIN rail holder (35 mm)
• 3× DIN rail holder mounting screw
• 1× grounding screw with a fan washer
• instruction leaflet
• Mervis lifetime license request
• antenna with magnetic mount

Patron model overview

1) LTE module

Further info

• Unipi Patron product line introduction
• comparison of Unipi product lines
• choosing the right software
• Unipi Knowledge Base