BL340 Industrial Edge Computing Gateway: Breaking through the PLC Data Islands of Smart Factories
Jerry Chen
Focusing on ARM Embedded Edge Computer ARMxy, Optional CPU, SOM, RS485/RS232/CAN/GPIO/DI/DO/AI/AO/RTD etc., Linux | Ubuntu | Debian| Node-Red | Python | Codesys | IoT | IIoT | Support OEM ODM. Email: [email protected]
Challenges and requirements of smart factories
In the context of Industry 4.0, smart factories generally face the problems of equipment heterogeneity and protocol fragmentation. PLCs of different brands (such as Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, etc.) use exclusive communication protocols (Modbus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, etc.), resulting in decentralized data collection and difficulty in system integration. Traditional solutions rely on multiple gateway devices or customized development, which have pain points such as high cost, complex operation and maintenance, and lack of real-time performance.
BL340+BLIoTLink solution architecture
The BL340 embedded computer is combined with the BLIoTLink industrial protocol conversion software to build a one-stop smart factory PLC data gateway. Its core architecture is as follows:
Hardware layer:
Supports optional X/Y series IO expansion board to connect to the RS485/CAN/Ethernet interface of the on-site PLC, compatible with multiple physical layer communications;
Built-in Mini PCIE slot supports 4G/WiFi to achieve PLC data collection and remote monitoring.
Protocol conversion layer:
BLIoTLink integrates industrial protocol libraries (Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA, MQTT, etc.) and multiple PLC models and protocols
Supports custom protocol plug-in development and adapts to private protocols of legacy devices.
Edge computing layer:
Based on the 4-core A53 processor, PLC data (such as equipment status, temperature, vibration signals) are processed in real time;
Cloud integration layer:
Data is uniformly converted to Modbus, MQTT and OPC UA, and pushed to SCADA, MES or Alibaba Cloud/Huawei Cloud and other platforms;
Data is quickly configured through BLIoTLink to realize scenario-based functions such as abnormal alarm and energy efficiency analysis.
Through the integration of multiple PLC protocols, enterprises not only solve the current data island problem, but also lay a data foundation for core scenarios of Industry 4.0 such as digital twins and flexible manufacturing. Edge computing gateways such as BL340 are becoming the "protocol translators" and "data hubs" of smart factories.