Shenzhen-based embedded computing and Internet of Things (IoT) OpenEmbed has unveiled a new entry in its EdgeLogix industrial controller lineup, this time powered by a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) computer-on-module: the EdgeLogix-1145.
“[A] rugged fanless edge computing controller with Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 (CM5) for harsh industry environment,” the company says of the latest model in its EdgeLogix range. “It can be used to connect the field networks with cloud or IoT applications. More than just a PLC [Programmable Logic Controller], PAC [Programmable Automation Controller], also an IoT edge gateway, AI [Artificial Intelligence] edge computing controller, and industr[ial] PC.”
OpenEmbed has announced a new EdgeLogix industrial logic controller, now powered by a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5. (📷: OpenEmbed)
Brought to our attention by Linux Gizmos, the new model is a direct successor to the EdgeLogix-1200 — a device based around the earlier Raspberry Pi Compute Module models in SODIMM form-factor and also offering compatibility with the NVIDIA Jetson range of systems-on-modules. This time around, the design focuses on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 and its quad-core Broadcom BCM2712 system-on-chip — the same hardware as powers the popular Raspberry Pi 5 single-board computer and Raspberry Pi 500 wedge computer.
The Raspberry Pi 5 CM5 SOM integrates with the system on a custom carrier board, providing up to 8GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage — though the carrier should also be compatible with higher-end models in the CM5 range, which can be configured for up to 16GB of RAM and 128GB of eMMC storage. The board then breaks connectivity out on a Phoenix connector, along with a pair of standard RJ45 connectors for gigabit Ethernet, alongside isolated RS485 and RS232 serial buses, Modbus, OPC UA, and support for programming using the IEC 61131-3 family of programmable logic controller (PLC) languages. There’s a single HDMI 2.0 output, eight digital inputs and eight digital outputs supporting up to 24V, four analog inputs reading between 0–10V, and four analog outputs ranging from 0–5V.
The aluminum-and-plastic housing hides a custom carrier board for the CM5 system-on-module. (📷: OpenEmbed)
The modular housing uses a mixture of aluminum and plastic, providing enough heat dissipation for passive operation, and there’s support for an optional supercapacitor-based uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to provide enough time to safely shut the system down in the event of unexpected power loss. The case is DIN-rail mountable, and can be expanded using the Phoenix connector as with its predecessors. Finally, there’s a mini-PCI Express (mPCIe) slot for an optional cellular modem, plus an M.2 socket for Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) storage or machine learning accelerator modules.
The EdgeLogix-1145 had not been added to the OpenEmbed website at the time of writing, but was listed on the company’s Alibaba store at $289 for orders of 100 units or more.