Unipi Axon M565 LTE

Product description

Unipi Axon M565 is a programmable logic controller (PLC) designed for automation, control, regulation and monitoring. The M565 is an intermediate model of the Axon 500 line focused on a higher number of analog I/O, but also features a sufficient number of all inputs/outputs available on Unipi products (digital, relay). That makes it suitable for complex projects including measurements and control of analog components A special feature of the controller is an LTE functionality for a high-speed wireless connection to the internet including sending/receiving SMS messages. The M565 also features three RS485 serial interfaces for connection of extension modules or gateways and a 1-Wire interface for connection of digital temperature or humidity sensors.

Basic features

*more detailed info about the number and type of analogue I/Os is available in the product's datasheet (see the Files tab above)

Inputs & outputs description

Digital inputs (DI) are designed for reading states of two-state devices such as various digital sensors, switches and buttons, motion sensors etc. All digital inputs feature counter functionality by default. 

Digital outputs (DO) are applicable for switching two-state devices using direct current (DC) such as locks, external relays, contactors etc. DO’s can be also used for analog control thanks to the pulse-width modulation (PWM) function.

Relay outputs (RO) serve for switching devices with higher current draw and devices requiring alternating current (AC) such as water heaters, pumps, contactors or external relays with higher switching current.

Analog inputs (AI) are designed to measure voltage, current or resistance in order to read values from various analog sensors (pressure meters, thermometers, tension gauges etc.).

Analog outputs (AO) are used to control and regulate devices such as three-way valves, electric motors, inverter drives, heat exchangers etc. by direct current or voltage.

Computing module

Axon controllers are powered by a quad-core, 1.2GHz Alwinner H5 CPU and feature a 1GB RAM for an excellent performance. The 8GB onboard eMMC memory then offers better reliability compared to systems relying on microSD cards as memory storage. 

Special features

The controller features an LTE module and a microSIM card slot to connect to the LTE wireless network. 

The module allows the controller to serve as a primary or secondary internet access point for remote management and data transmission through the internet, or for sending and receiving SMS messages. In the role of a primary connection the controller functions as a web access point in locations without a landline internet connection. Secondary connection them comes in play as a backup in case of a primary Ethernet connection failure in technologies reliant on a connection between the technology and a supervision centre. In the case of Ethernet failure, the controller automatically switches to the LTE mode, bridging the connection.

A brief start-up guide for the LTE module can be found on this link. 

You can also check possible applications of Axon LTE controllers in the Axon LTE case study.

Note: The product requires a standard microSIM (0.76mm thickness) card. NanoSIM cards (0.67mm thickness) are not supported. 

Communication interfaces

By default, all Axon controllers feature RS485 serial lines. This type of interface usually uses the Modbus RTU protocol and can be used for communication with various devices such as Extension xS extension modules, energy meters, touchscreen HMI displays, controllers from other vendors, various sensors etc. A single bus can support dozens of devices while its length can reach up to several hundred meters.

Selected models also feature a single RS232 serial line. In the field of automation, this interface is usually used for communication with various converters, closed-in technologies or display devices such as HMI panels. 

A single 1-Wire bus is also available on selected models. This interface uses 2-3 conductors for collecting data from various 1-Wire sensors such as thermometers, humidity meters, light intensity sensors etc.). A single 1-Wire bus supports up to 15 devices, the overall length of the bus can reach up to 200 meters. 

By default, all Axon controllers feature a single 1Gbit Ethernet port for network communication. 

Software options

Thanks to the software openness of Unipi controllers customers can choose from a broad range of software solutions and are not limited to a single platform Among supported solutions are both commercial and open-source systems. Visit the Other software overview for the list of other supported solutions.

The main supported solution is the Mervis control system - a platform developed under the IEC 61131-3 standard for PLC programming, that includes SCADA interface for remote management and monitoring, a comprehensible development environment, a human-machine interface (HMI) editor and an online/on-premise database for storing historical data and retrospective analysis of the controlled technology's operation. 

Aside from commercial platforms you can also choose any from the list of supported open-source solutions, or use the EVOK API (Websocket, REST,...) Modbus TCP, SysFS or other tools for implementing your logic in any programming language. Visit this link for the list of supported software solutions. 

Package contents

• Axon controller
• removable screw terminals
• DIN rail holder (35 mm)
• 2× DIN rail holder mounting screws
• 1× grounding screw
• instruction leaflet
• lifetime Mervis license code

Other features

All components of the controller are encased within a durable aluminium chassis (IP20 protection). The controller is designed for mounting on a standard DIN rail (35 mm). 

Axon line model overview

1- 2× Ethernet (1 Gbit + 10/100 Mbit)
2 - wireless LTE module

Further information

• Unipi Axon product line introduction
• comparison of product lines
• guide for choosing the right software