With Classical CAN and CANopen

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https://can-newsletter.org/hardware/controllers/181012_with-classical-can-and-canopen_qube-solutions
With Classical CAN and CANopen

Qube Solutions presented the latest model of their Raspberry Pi-based controllers (PLC) called Pixtend V2 -L-. It is available in three variants. A Classical CAN interface has been added.

From left to right all three models: Extension Board, ePLC Basic, and ePLC Pro (Photo: Qube Solutions)

The devices were developed especially for medium to large automation projects in the equipment and machine manufacturing industry. Compared to it‘s "little brother", the V2 -S-, it has considerably more digital and analog inputs and outputs. In addition, the serial interfaces EIA-485 and CAN have been added.

Thus, the product can be connected to other serial bus systems such as CANopen. The Retain Memory has been increased to 64 bytes and secures important operating states during a reboot or power failure.

Thanks to the long-term availability of the Raspberry Pi 3 B+, a delivery time of 10 years can be guaranteed for Pixtend V2 devices. The pre-certified WLAN module saves the customer unpleasant surprises when certifying their devices and/or machines. All programming software that was previously available for the Pixtend system is also available for the Pixtend V2 -L- right from the start: Codesys version 3.5, Python, C, OpenPLC, FHEM, and Node-RED. Fourzero will follow soon, which will open the door to PLC programming according to IEC 61499 (distributed control systems). With PiXtend V2 -L-, there are three models to choose from.

For the education sector and home use, there is still the entry-level version "Extension Board", on which one‘s own Raspberry Pi needs to be mounted and an SD card with Raspbian Linux must be created. The two ePLC (economy Programmable Logic Controller) models, are aimed at commercial customers.

These are ready-to-use complete units - with or without housing parts, depending on the intended application.