Products
Complete solution from a control program to a local web interface to SCADA interface including a mobile app - all of this available in the Mervis system.
What is Mervis?
Mervis is a full-fledged software platform provided for free for most Unipi controllers. It is a professional solution suitable for a wide range of applications, from building management (BMS) to industrial automation. The Mervis IDE development environment, a core of the whole platform, is suitable for both beginners and experienced programmers due to its user-friendly interface and clear design.
Note: Aside from Mervis, Unipi users can also use our application programming interface (API), or any compatible third-party solution (i.e., Node-RED). For more info please visit this link.
Mervis allows you to:
- create and debug control programs for PLC in a user-friendly Mervis IDE development environment
- create and edit web user interfaces for comfortable control of your system
- communicate with your controllers remotely from anywhere through a secure remote access
- monitor and analyze your historic data using a professional Mervis SCADA interface
- monitor your system through a mobile app in your smartphone or tablet
Mervis platform components
Mervis IDE
A development environment for creating, debugging and remote management of control programs for Unipi controllers. The Mervis IDE supports two IEC 61131-3 compliant programming methods for creating controller behavior.
Functions block (FUPLA)
FUPLA (or FBD) is a programming language based on predefined blocks of code. Each block has its specific function and its inputs (temperature value, switch signal) and outputs (switch command, regulation etc.). The control logic itself is then created in a clear graphic interface simply by connecting the blocks and variables. Mervis IDE features a large library of default function blocks covering an absolute most of all basic PLC operations, such as mathematical functions (sum, multiplication, comparison), control loops (hysteresis, three-way valves), counters, time schedulers and much more. FBD is thus suitable for users without any deeper programming knowledge.
Structured text (ST)
The ST language is based on a structured text able to express complex functions by only a handful of lines of text code. The ST is useful mainly for experienced users and programming extensive complex projects. ST can be also used to create custom function blocks if needed.
HMI editor (Human Machine Interface)
Aside from the control logic itself Mervis IDE also allows you to create graphic user interfaces for local webpages running on your PLC or for the Mervis SCADA service. These interfaces allow you to visualize the status of your system and control all of its functions. For this purpose, the editor features a large collection of switches, indicators, text fields, time schedulers, and other elements. The individual elements, each with wide customization options, can be placed simply by drag-and-drop. The editor also supports uploading your pictures or icons. Complete interfaces can be accessed through a computer, tablet, or smartphone using only a regular web browser.
Mervis SCADA
Mervis SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a cloud service for remote management, control and analysis of historic data. SCADA gives you the option to monitor and control all connected systems through a clear graphic interface independently on their location. A single supervision center is thus able to control technologies installed on different continents. The Mervis IDE graphic editor then allows you to create and edit your SCADA visualization designs.
For more info about Mervis SCADA, please visit this link.
Mervis mobile app
The Mervis mobile app will connect your smartphone to your SCADA interface, allowing you to monitor your system, display historic data via graphs, change data point values and more. Mobile app is available for free.
Remote access and management (Mervis Proxy)
The Mervis Proxy service gives you the option to access your Unipi controllers from anywhere using a secure internet connection. The service is necessary for using the Mervis SCADA service but is also useful for remote controller programming or data transfer between multiple controllers without the need for VPN, public IP addresses or any other special network settings.
Mervis DB cloud database
Mervis DB serves for sending historical variable values from your controller to secure storage in an Unipi datacentre. You can then visualize and analyze your data through the Mervis SCADA interface. If you are interested in storing the data in your on-premise database, get in touch with us at info@unipi.technology (suitable for projects with over 5 000 data points).
Mervis Runtime (RT)
Mervis RT is a software running on the controller, which executes the control logic of programs created in the Mervis IDE.Broad communication protocol support
Mervis supports a wide range of communication protocols, from the standard Modbus protocol to specialized protocols such as BACnet or M-Bus. That gives you the option to extend your project by the integration of devices from other vendors, significantly widening your options. More info about the supported protocols is available at this link.
| List of supported protocols | |
| AMiT DB-Net/IP | Modbus |
| BACnet | 1-Wire |
| IEC 62056-21 | SoftPLC |
| Jablotron 100 | SSCP |
| M-Bus | SMA-net |
How to obtain the Mervis?
| Mervis | Mervis license | |
| Unipi 1.1 and Unipi 1.1. Lite |
Mervis operating system image is free to download. Designed for uploading to an SD memory card. Detailed installation instructions can be found at this link. |
The license code on a paper request card is included in the packaging when you buy the complete Unipi 1.1 or Unipi 1.1 Lite set. For the Unipi 1.1 starter set or separately purchased expansion boards, it is then possible to purchase the request card in electronic form as a separate product. |
| Unipi Neuron | License included in the price of the product. The license code on a paper request card is included in the packaging. |
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| Unipi Patron | Pre-installed Mervis operating system. For programming, you just need to download and install the Mervis IDE. |
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| Unipi Gate | Can be purchased as a separate product. | |
Licensing and Mervis Runtime trial period
Mervis Runtime is essential for running control programs created in the Mervis IDE. Without licensing, a 20-minute trial period will start upon startup of the PLC or its control logic. During this trial, you can freely explore all Mervis functions. After the trial period expires, the Mervis RT deactivates and stops the program. Full functionality can be restored by successfully licensing your controller - the licensing guide is available on this link.
Note: The license is functional only with Unipi hardware, e.g., it cannot be used only for a Raspberry Pi computer.
Mervis IDE + HMI editor
The development environment itself, containing the HMI editor and SCADA visualisation editor, can be downloaded for free from the Unipi Knowledge Base. For the installation guide, please visit this link.
Mervis SCADA and Mervis DB
To access the service, simply sign up on the Unipi e-shop and create a new SCADA project in the Account -> Mervis SCADA menu. Mervis DB credentials are generated automatically upon creating a new project in Mervis SCADA though our portal. The conditions for using the Mervis SCADA service and other related services can be found at this link.
Mervis Proxy
The Mervis Proxy ID required for this service can also be found in the customer section of your account on the Unipi website. The Mervis Proxy service is available free of charge. For a tutorial on obtaining a Mervis Proxy license, please visit this link. Brief user guides for both services are available on this link.
Further info
Detailed info about all parts of the Mervis, installation guides, tutorials, showcase projects and other useful info is available on the Unipi Knowledge Base.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our technical support (support@unipi.technology) or visit the Unipi community forum.
