Edge control and small automation
A SimtoLink industrial controller uses an industrial-grade ARM Cortex-A or x86 processor and IEC 61131-3 programming (LD, ST, FBD, and others), plus Modbus, OPC, and other protocols. It has several DI/DO/AI/AO > channels, Ethernet, and serial ports, for small automation, data collection, and edge control, and it can take over some PLC work.
Linux and a real-time kernel (RTOS) > covers the timing the control loop needs. Controllers are already in pump stations, greenhouses, small lines, and smart cabinets, more than 5,000 units, which keeps an automation upgrade from costing as much.
Hardware and I/O
Specs follow the processor and the I/O count, so different jobs can be covered. A typical configuration:
| Processor | Typical I/O | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| ARM | 8～16 DI/DO, 4 AI/AO | Pump stations, greenhouses, smart cabinets |
| x86 | 16～32 DI/DO, 8 AI/AO | Small lines, complex logic |
| Expansion | I/O, 4G, and LoRa expansion | Distributed and remote control |
Two to four RS485 serial ports and two Ethernet ports. Linux, OpenPLC, and Node-RED are supported, and custom logic can be written in Python, C, and other languages. A visual programming tool, remote debugging, and program updates are included. Ingress is IP20. Pick the hardware for the size of the project. SimtoLink will recommend a configuration and an expansion path.
Typical deployments and what changed
From level control at a pump station, to a greenhouse, to a parcel locker, the controller covers small automation and edge control in more than one industry. Typical deployments and the result:
Level and pump control at a pump station
One pump station uses an industrial controller in place of a conventional PLC for level measurement and pump start-stop, and reports over Modbus, which cut cost by 40% and covers automation for a small station.
Greenhouse climate and equipment
One greenhouse uses the controller for sensor readings and for fans, shade cloth, and irrigation valves, with 4G remote watching for edge control on the farm.
Parcel-locker compartments
One parcel locker uses an industrial controller for the compartments, status, and the cloud link, which cut the cost of a cabinet by 30%.
Logic on a small line
Packaging and sorting lines use the controller for sequence and interlocks, and it can join SCADA and MES.
Selection and development
- I/O count: Choose by the number of points and how complex the logic is. Complex logic wants a model that runs IEC 61131.
- Timing: If the loop has to be deterministic, pick a model with a real-time kernel. For a critical loop, keep a manual bypass for an emergency.
- Communications: Add a 4G or LoRa module. Before you order, name what is being controlled, the I/O, and how it communicates.
- Development help: SimtoLink supplies a development board and sample programs so a design can be proved quickly. A complex project can include custom development and installation.
- Program updates: Test a logic change fully before it goes live, so production is not disturbed. Programs can be updated and debugged remotely.
How a project usually runs
A practical sequence for an industrial controller project:
SimtoLink helps with development and custom work, including remote program updates and debugging, which makes day-to-day maintenance faster.
Services and support
SimtoLink helps select the controller and supports development, including IEC 61131 programming and expansion modules, plus custom development and installation. The product manual and a scheme quotation are available.