In the world of automation and industrial control, while Ethernet and Wi-Fi have become ubiquitous, serial RS232/RS485 communications still have a vital role to play. These long-established technologies offer a straightforward, cost-effective, and reliable means of communication for a range of applications. Despite the proliferation of consumer-grade single-board controllers, there remains a need for robust, industrial-grade solutions that can withstand harsh environments and provide reliable performance.
Developers often need to integrate multiple intelligent digital devices for monitoring and control, including variable frequency drives, PID loop controllers, barcode scanners, and lighting controllers. Many of these devices are equipped with native RS232/RS485 interfaces and use Modbus RTU or other serial communication protocols. This article explores how industrial-grade Arduino controllers, such as AutomationDirect’s ProductivityOpen Controller, offer an excellent solution for integrating and aggregating data from these devices.
These controllers are based on the MKRZero Arduino and come in rugged housing certified to meet industry standards. They offer compatibility with open-source shields and accessories, including Ethernet and serial communication modules. By using industrial Arduino controllers, developers can create cost-effective and robust serial data aggregation applications. The article provides a practical example involving a microbrewery’s temperature controllers and demonstrates how an industrial Arduino, along with associated serial communication and Ethernet shields, can efficiently collect and transmit data to the cloud for logging and alarming. While modern technologies continue to advance, there is still a place for trusted solutions like serial communications when it comes to delivering reliability and cost-effectiveness in industrial applications.