Unipi Axon S175 IQRF

Product description

The S175 model is a specialized variant of the Axon S105. Its architecture uses the same combination and number of I / Os, but additionally features the TR-76D smart wireless transceiver, using the IQRF Technology wireless standard. This feature allows the controller to communicate with all devices using the same IQRF network.

A quick-start guide for the IQRF module can be found on this link.

Basic features

Inputs & outputs description

Digital Inputs (DI) are designed to read binary logic states represented by direct voltage levels. That makes them suitable for reading data from various binary sensors and devices such as switches (on / off), motion sensors (movement detected / not detected), liquid level sensors (full tank / empty tank) etc. 

Digital Outputs (DI) are intended for switching various binary devices (lighting, smart door locks, drives of shutters and blinds etc.) through direct voltage. DO's also feature Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) function allowing to use the output for analog control. 

Analogue input (AI) is designed to measure voltage, current or resistance to read values ​​from various analog sensors such as thermometers, pressure meters, tensometers etc.

Analogue output (AO) serves for control of multi-state external devices through direct voltage or current and is suitable for control and regulation of devices such as three-way valves, heat exchangers, electric motors etc. 

Computing module

As a computing module, the Axon controllers use an industrial computer featuring a quad-core 1.2GHz Alwinner H5 CPU and 1GB RAM giving Axons an excellent performance. The 8GB onboard eMMC memory offers better reliability compared to systems relying on microSD memory cards. 

Communication interfaces

Axon 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 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 also featured on selected models. This interface uses 2-3 conductors for collecting data from various 1-Wire sensors such as thermometers, humidity meters, light intensity sensors etc.). The single 1-Wire bus supports up to 15 devices, the overall length of the bus can reach up to 100 meters. 

All Axon models also feature a single 1Gbit Ethernet byt for network communication. 

Special features

The TR-76D transceiver, operating on 868 or 916 MHz bands (can be configured through a corresponding software) and using the IQRF Technology wireless standard. This standard uses a highly reliable wireless mesh communication broadcasted on sub-gigahertz bands. Such technology has two main advantages - long signal range and low power consumption. Thanks to the long-range, the user does not have to use repeaters or base stations to extend the signal range, and due to using a patented Directed Flooding mesh networking protocol, the communication retains its reliability even in harsh RF environments.

The transceiver contains its own microcontroller and operating system. Above the OS layer, it is possible to add the DPA transport layer containing pre-made hardware profiles. These can be used to quick device setup for needed functionality without any further programming. If needed, there is also a possibility to add a third layer for custom adjustments of the device's behavior. Additionally, an open-source development kit can be used for configuring the transceiver for third-party device connectivity.

A quick-start guide for the IQRF module can be found on this link. 

Software options

Thanks to the openness software of Unipi controllers customers can choose from a wide range of software solutions and are not limited to a single proprietary platform. Among supported solutions are both commercial and open-source systems. 

The main supported platform for Unipi controllers is the Mervis control system. This platform is developed under the IEC 61131-3 PLC programming standard and consists of comprehensible and user-friendly Mervis IDE development environment, an HMI editor for creating and editing of user interfaces, SCADA interface and an online / on-premise cloud database for long -term collecting of operational data and their analysis. Axon-line controllers are shipped with the Mervis already installed. 

Aside from commercial platforms (such as CODESYS), customers can also choose from a variety of open-source solutions; for the supported software overview please visit this link.

Alternatively, customers can use the Unipi-developed EVOK open-source API to integrate Unipi controllers into existing software solutions, use custom code or to develop applications for the controllers.

Other features

All components of the controller are encased within a durable aluminum chassis (IP20 protection). The controller is designed for mounting on a standard DIN rail (35 mm).