Unipi Patron
Unipi Patron is a product line of programmable logic controllers designed for automation, control and monitoring. High computing power, software openness and flexibility make the Patron products the most powerful compact units available on the market. Patron is suitable for a wide range of applications ranging from building management and industry to HVAC and SCADA systems to smart home installations and other automation projects. An extended 4-year warranty is provided for all Patron models.
Hardware description
Depending on the specific model, Patron units feature 1-3 sections (additional info available below.
Each section has its own STM32 microprocessor that controls the section's I/Os and communicates with the unit's CPU. The processors use their own firmware containing not only basic I/O functionality but also a variety of additional functions and features.
All components are protected by a durable chassis made from anodized aluminium that provides IP20 protection against external hazards. The chassis can be customized to your needs - for more info, please visit the OEM solutions page.
Powerful CPU for the most demanding projects
Patron units are based on a Unipi-developed computing module powered by the i.MX 8M Mini (4× Arm® Cortex®-A53) CPU that features a max. 1.8 GHz frequency, 1GB RAM and an onboard 8GB eMMC memory. These features make Unipi Patron the most powerful compact units on the market. Using our own computing module allows us to provide support on all levels, a realization of various modifications within the custom manufacturing programme and more options for standard development (eg. integration of new communication protocols).
A wide selection of inputs/outputs
Depending on the specific model, Patron units can feature the following types of inputs/outputs and their combinations:
- DI - digital inputs
- DO - digital outputs
- RO - relay outputs
- AI - analog inputs
- AO - analog outputs
Additional info about Patron I/Os is available in the following article
The modular construction of I/O boards allows us to easily modify already existing I/O combinations or create new ones as part of the custom manufacturing programme.
In case you need to extend your project by additional inputs/outputs, a simple and affordable solution is available in the form of Unipi Extension modules. The modules communicate using the RS485 interface (Modbus RTU protocol) and provide you with more inputs and outputs without the need to purchase additional units.
Communication interfaces with broad connectivity
Depending on the model, Patron units can feature up to 4 RS485 serial lines, RS232 serial line, a single 1-Wire bus or a combination of the all mentioned interfaces.
- RS485 and RS232 interfaces serve for connection of various external devices (extension modules, energy meters, HMI panels, various sensors), or communication with gateways and closed technologies,
- The 1-Wire bus is designed to communicate with 1-Wire sensors such as temperature and humidity sensors,
- A pair of USB 2.0 ports can be used to connect wireless adapters, external storage disks or serial converters,
- all Patron units feature a single 100Mbit Ethernet port for network communication,
- S167, M267 and M567 models also feature an LTE mobile connection that allows the unit to use the LTE wireless network for internet connection.
As with inputs and outputs, our custom manufacturing program offers you an option to customize the number and type of communication interfaces.
Software that does not limit you
Patron units are based on the Linux open-source operating system, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of software solutions, both commercial and open-source. By default, all units are shipped with a pre-installed Mervis system - a professional software platform that includes development environment, SCADA interface, cloud database and other components. Alternatively, you can utilize a Unipi-developed open-source application programming interface (API) for the integration of your software or any of the supported third-party solutions (Node-RED, openHAB, FHEM, Pimatic etc.). For more info, please visit the Choosing the right software article.
Wide application possibilities
Broad communication options, high computing power, software openness, compact size, a large selection of models and customization options - these features make the Patron product line an ideal choice for a wide variety of projects and installations:
- smart home,
- control and monitoring systems,
- HVAC control systems in buildings,
- monitoring and optimization of energy consumption and precise invoicing,
- SCADA system for remote monitoring and management,
- monitoring and automation of data centres,
- monitoring and regulation of photovoltaics,
- irrigation control and energy regulation in agriculture,
- Smart City systems,
- a gateway between technologies,
- and many more.
Custom development and manufacturing
Unipi Patron offers many options for custom development and manufacturing. Patron units can be extended by the integration of wireless technologies (LTE, Zigbee, Enocean), new communication protocols or additional functionality (eg. PoE, Secure boot or support of external modems or PCIe modules). It is also possible to create custom I/O combinations.
Customization options also include the operating system (OS) image - a large archive containing all that’s needed to start and run applications on units. Aside from the image customization according to your needs, it is also possible to upload the image into the units during their assembly. Thanks to this feature, the units are delivered already pre-configured, which allows you to save a considerable amount of time when preparing the units for deployment. For more info about custom OS images, please visit this link.
All of the above-mentioned options, combined with graphic customization of the chassis and software openness, allow you to obtain a unit with software and hardware tailored to the needs of your project. This makes the Patron line an excellent choice for software developers and companies offering Unipi units as part of their solutions. For more info regarding the custom manufacturing options, please visit this link.