Hongke Solution | How to choose between Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi and PLC?

1. Raspberry Pi

Before understanding Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi, we must first understand what Raspberry Pi is. Raspberry Pi is a small computer based on ARM. It provides rich interfaces on Raspberry Pi and can realize more functions. It is also a favorite of developers. It is equipped with Linux system, has strong open source, and supports development in multiple high-level programming languages, making it often used in various testing and application environments. The existing Raspberry Pi computing module has developed to the CM4 stage, with a great improvement in computing power, which can be used for more complex applications.

2. Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi used in daily learning or application can be called an ordinary Raspberry Pi. Correspondingly, there is a Raspberry Pi suitable for industrial scenarios - Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi. Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi uses the same Raspberry Pi computing module CM4 as the ordinary Raspberry Pi, combined with the peripheral circuit of the previous version of the industrial Raspberry Pi to form the Raspberry Pi CM4S. The customized Raspdebian system with hardware adaptation is used, which not only meets most of the functions of the ordinary Raspberry Pi, but also has functions that the ordinary Raspberry Pi does not have.

Industrial-grade hardware packaging, operating temperature -25°C to +55°C, with IP20 protection level;

Pre-installed PREEMPT RT real-time patch to meet the real-time requirements of industrial sites;

Modular application, digital/analog points can be expanded according to actual needs;

Pre-installed Node-RED environment, adapted to CODESYS, supports Python/Java/C/C++/C# and other programming languages;

Supports multiple fieldbus protocols, such as MODBUS, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, etc.

02

Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi VS PLC

1. PLC

As a digital computing and operating electronic system designed specifically for industrial environments, PLC is a commonly used control device in industrial scenarios. PLC uses a programmable memory to store instructions for performing logical operations, sequential control, timing, counting and arithmetic operations, and controls various types of mechanical equipment or production processes through digital or analog input and output.

In the context of Industry 4.0, a single PLC device is no longer sufficient to meet industrial needs. PLC devices do not have rich Internet functions, and the development and control methods are relatively simple, which is not conducive to the establishment and implementation of digital factories. One solution to this problem is to use the PLC+gateway method to collect PLC data through the gateway. However, for some large factories, it is difficult to find a gateway model that is compatible with all PLCs.

2. Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi

Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi can solve the problem of PLC+gateway solution very well. Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi comes with IO module and supports multiple development methods based on Linux system. Data collection and edge computing functions can be completed directly through Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi, and it supports multiple data cloud methods such as MQTT and OPC UA, which can directly replace the combination of PLC+gateway. In addition, Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi supports CODESYS development, which can meet the needs of project development in PLC development mode.

03

Typical Applications

1. Industrial Control

Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi supports multiple fieldbus protocols and is particularly suitable for industrial control. As a control and monitoring center, it connects to industrial routers, collects PLC data, optimizes data within Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi, and sends it to the cloud. In this way, deployment can be quickly achieved, data can be aggregated to the data platform, and production control can be quickly optimized according to demand.

2. Smart Agriculture

Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi complies with industrial standards and has the characteristics of flexibility. It can connect sensors and actuators through IO modules, collect high-resolution data, and transmit the data to the background in real time. It can detect the site on the mobile phone anytime and anywhere, and perform access control to realize the detection and control of the smart agricultural site.

3. Energy management

Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi has strong data capabilities and data cloud functions, and can also play an important role in energy management. Based on IO modules and Ethernet interfaces, Hongke Industrial Raspberry Pi can record and monitor all current and historical data as well as alarm and error messages. Combined with algorithms, it can detect and analyze trends and deviations at an early stage, upload data to the IoT platform, and actively intervene and remotely control management through the IoT platform.