Control Network Newsletter
New BASpi-Edge Simplifies Field Device Connectivity
Whether it's an RTU, a pump, or a machine on a manufacturing floor, devices at the "edge" of the network have data that can be used to improve processes and profits. However, getting information from field devices to a remote supervisor has traditionally been a long and arduous journey.
The new BASpi Edge overcomes the complexity of connecting edge devices to the network while still maintaining network security.
"Our customers often complained about how stressful it was to connect edge devices on the network securely," said Zach Netsov, Product Specialist. "We designed the BASpi Edge because we wanted to make the process easier without jeopardizing security."
The BASpi-Edge is a 12-point freely programmable BACnet IP client/server with a resident connector to the Azure IoT Central cloud. Built on the popular Raspberry Pi, the BASpi-Edge has features not found in conventional controllers such as an HDMI port for remote displays, a USB port for a touch screen, Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. Other built-in features include email alarms, a scheduler, weather monitoring, and easy to build graphical dashboards. The BASpi-Edge is an extremely flexible small system supervisor, human to machine interface, or cloud-connected application specific controller.
It utilizes the powerful 1.2 GHz 64-bit CPU in the Raspberry Pi with 1 GB of RAM memory for lightning fast operation, its Ethernet and Wi-Fi adapters for versatile network connectivity, as well as its HDMI port as an HMI interface for touchscreen or display options.
Our field proven, resilient I/O and power circuit board installed on top hardens the Raspberry Pi and allows it to safely interface with standard building automation input/output control signals and industry standard power supplies. A resilient 8 GB pSLC micro SD card ensures reliable operation and sufficient storage space. It operates using 24 VAC/VDC power input and is housed in a compact DIN rail mounted enclosure.
Two models are available in the BASpi-Edge series housed in compact DIN rail mounted enclosure and powered from a 24 VAC/VDC source. While both models have six universal inputs, one model has six relay outputs, and the other four plus two 0-10 VDC analog outputs. An USB port with an optional EIA-485 dongle connects to BACnet MS/TP devices.
The BASpi-Edge is webpage configured and Sedona function block programmed using a free Sedona application editor. A total of 48 virtual points connects BACnet points to wire sheet logic while 48 web components connect wire sheet logic to webpages.
The BASpi-Edge can easily and securely (TLS) connect via MQTT to the Azure IoT Central (SaaS) cloud effectively making any attached equipment a cloud connected asset. Trending can then be accomplished in the cloud. Cloud connectivity provides global asset management and centralized supervision capabilities for multi-site applications. The user can upload any point data to the cloud where it can be analyzed and accessed from anywhere.
Graphical dashboards allow you to easily monitor your automation application.
To learn more, visit the BASpi Edge product page.