Econo 328: Power Combination of Edge Controller and Industrial Control
Kendrion, the leading supplier of innovative control technology, has advanced its Econo series for applications in tight spaces. The Econo 328, measuring just 45 x 125 x 90 millimeters, integrates automation control, industrial gateway, and Edge PC, ensuring reliable embedded Box PC performance in challenging environments. Users in the fields of mechanical engineering, automation, and robotics benefit significantly from the device's real-time capabilities.
Nico Heinrich, Product and Project Manager at Kendrion, explains, "We expanded our Econo series to meet the demands of industrial environments and integration into Industrial IoT systems." The adaptable Linux operating system included with the device provides easy access to all hardware resources, offering diverse applications for the Econo 328. The new Industrial PC is also particularly flexible thanks to the integrated Industrial Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. It enables numerous storage expansions as well as the connection of any removable storage media or external peripherals via USB 3.0 interfaces.
Real-time Capabilities for Edge PC and Industrial Gateway
"The real-time capability of industrial controls is crucial for applications in industry and robotics," notes Nico Heinrich. In machine monitoring, generated data must be instantly stored, analyzed, and made available. The CM Pi4 integrated into the Econo 328 generates and processes data in real-time, thanks to local processing of large data volumes. Instead of relying on a distant centralized data center, data can be stored, processed, and analyzed on-site. Reduced latency times provide a significant speed advantage for applications requiring real-time data. Local data processing also saves costs for bandwidth, data volume, and cloud storage. "In developing new products, we always consider the cost factor and sustainability for our customers," adds Nico Heinrich.
The Econo 328 from Kendrion, functioning as an Edge Controller and Industrial Gateway, ensures fast and secure data exchange across various industrial networks and devices. It facilitates protocol translations and information flows secured with firewalls, data encryption, and secure authentication processes.
Freely Programmable Industrial Control Econo 328
As an industrial controller, the Econo 328 is particularly suitable for industrial applications. The 64-bit Quad-Core ARM processor enables efficient processing of large data volumes, leading to improved overall performance. The Cortex-A72 architecture offers increased energy efficiency for cost-intensive production processes thanks to a balanced ratio of performance and energy consumption. Expansion modules for the Econo 328 include options for Ethernet, EtherCAT, PROFINET, or CAN.
More information on the Econo 328
New FIO Controller with CODESYS
Kendrion presents another innovation with the FIO Controller 328, whose hardware is specifically designed for PLC tasks and expandable with the entire range of FIO I/O modules. Remanent data, mini UPS, and integration of different industrial fieldbus interfaces make the Controller 328, based on Industrial Raspberry Pi 4, a universal, modular CODESYS control for machinery and plant engineering.
All Kendrion PLC systems come standard with integrated CODESYS Soft PLC, allowing for CODESYS Motion CNC Robotics expansion and direct connection of an FSoE safety control.
The CODESYS-programmable FIO Safety PLC offers a large number of certified safety modules in accordance with the PLCopen standards - including emergency stop, two-hand operation and muting. This allows all FSoE slaves (drives or I/Os) to be safely controlled and continuously monitored.
About Kendrion Kuhnke Automation:
Kendrion Kuhnke Automation specializes in solenoid, fluid, and control technology. The company is part of the Industrial Division of Kendrion N.V., operating as the Business Unit Industrial Actuators and Controls (IAC). Its broad portfolio find use in medical technology, automation & robotics, mechanical engineering, building technology, and aviation. In the field of control technology, Kendrion Kuhnke Automation relies on internationally recognized industry standards to enable integration into a wide variety of infrastructures.
