Mucitler Elektrik
Corporate
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Sfera Labs has introduced the Iono Pi v3, bringing a fresh perspective to the world of industrial automation! This compact DIN rail module combines the powerful processing architecture of the Raspberry Pi with precise analog inputs, offering an ideal solution for process control and industrial IoT applications.
🧠Powerful Processor, Broad Integration ðŸ§
The Iono Pi v3 supports both Raspberry Pi 4B and Raspberry Pi 5 boards, offering memory options from 1 GB to 16 GB. It retains standard connectivity features such as Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth/BLE, four USB ports, and a microSD slot. It can seamlessly run software stacks like Linux, Node-RED, CODESYS, and Python. For industrial I/O needs, it features four power relay outputs rated at 5A (250V AC), six protected digital inputs (0-40V), and three open-collector outputs with integrated fault detection.
âš¡ Precise Analog Signal Capture âš¡
This third-generation module replaces the previous model's 12-bit ADC with a Microchip MCP3462 16-bit converter, enabling precise process measurement and rapid signal capture. This high-resolution converter can process two analog voltage inputs (0-30V) and two dedicated analog current inputs (0-20mA) at a rate of 153.6 kilosamples/second (ksps). This allows engineers to directly manage high-precision sensor data with Linux-based control logic.
🔒 Hardware Security and Cryptographic Protection 🔒
For operational reliability, the system integrates an NXP PCF2131 real-time clock (RTC) with a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator. This RTC acts as an independent hardware watchdog mechanism, performing a full power cycle if the operating system hangs. Additionally, the Microchip ATECC608 secure element provides hardware-level cryptographic key storage, guaranteeing device-level authentication in industrial IoT network deployments.
🔌 Auxiliary Interfaces and Compatibility 🔌
The module includes seven bidirectional 5V GPIO lines that can support 1-Wire temperature sensor networks, Wiegand access control systems, and I2C devices. A 5V auxiliary output rated at 500mA can power multiple sensor networks without the need for a separate power supply. The device operates with a 9 to 28V DC power supply with overvoltage and reverse polarity protection and is housed in a standard 4-module DIN rail enclosure. All functions are accessible via a sysfs file system driver for Raspberry Pi OS. The hardware is CE, FCC, and IC compliant.
📈 Competitive Position 📈
In the industrial Raspberry Pi ecosystem, the Iono Pi v3 competes with devices like the Kunbus Revolution Pi (RevPi) and Brainboxes BB-400. While the Revolution Pi uses a Raspberry Pi Compute Module (CM4) to provide a modular I/O backplane, the Iono Pi v3 uses the standard Raspberry Pi single-board computer format (4B and 5). This design choice allows for immediate adoption of the newer Raspberry Pi 5 processor. Furthermore, the integration of a 16-bit ADC operating at 153.6 ksps positions the Iono Pi v3 advantageously for high-speed analog telemetry.
