Arduino Opta micro PLC in TH35 module form factor for easy mounting
Since the inception of the Arduino project in 2005, electronics enthusiasts have been attracted to Arduino boards and products. By simplifying the design and development of interactive systems, Arduino paved the way for hobbyists, students, and early career designers to test prototypes and build viable products. Today, the Arduino community provides the components and platforms that are preferred by many engineers at all experience levels for efficiently building automation and other interactive systems.
The Arduino Opta raises the bar even higher. This robust micro PLC is designed with advanced features and built for easy installation and integration into rugged industrial automation system environments. The Arduino Opta datasheet is an essential key for unlocking the specifications, features, and applications for designing with this advanced device.
Arduino Opta Datasheet: Modules and Specifications
As shown in the Arduino Opta PLC controllers and Extensions datasheets, there are multiple options of the micro PLC available.
| ARDUINO OPTA MODULE SPECIFICATIONS | ||||||
| Module Datasheet | Module Type | Dimensions (mm) | Inputs | Outputs | Interface Type(s) | Connector Type(s) |
| AFX00001 | Opta RS485 PLC Controller | 90 x 80 x 69 | 8 | 4 | Ethernet RS485 USB | RJ45 RS485 USB-C Screw |
| AFX00002 | Opta WiFi PLC Controller | 90 x 80 x 69 | 8 | 4 | Ethernet RS485 USB WiFi | RJ45 RS485 USB-C Screw |
| AFX00003 | Opta Lite PLC Controller | 90 x 80 x 69 | 8 | 4 | Ethernet USB | RJ45 USB-C Screw |
| AFX00005 | D1608E Extension | 88.8 x 70 x 56.5 | 16 | 8 | NA | NA |
| AFX00006 | D1608S Extension | 88.8 x 70 x 56.5 | 16 | 8 | NA | NA |
| AFX00007 | A0602 Extension | 88.8 x 70 x 56.5 | 6 | 6 | NA | NA |
Opta PLC Controller Modules
Choose the best configuration for your industrial or building automation needs. The Opta is available in 3 variants:
- Opta Lite – Ethernet onboard and USB-C® programming ports.
- Opta RS485 – which adds RS485 half duplex connectivity interface to the above.
- Opta WiFi – the most versatile option, featuring all of the features of Opta Lite and Opta RS485, plus Wi-Fi®/Bluetooth® Low Energy connectivity.
Opta Extension Modules
Need to add more inputs, outputs, or relays the Opta Extension Modules allow for multiple usage and different kinds of industrial needs. Simply snap on an extension module to multiply automation/control system capabilities. There are three module variants for expansion available, enabling the mixing of different types and allowing you to customize your control system:
- Ext D1608E – 16 programmable Voltage inputs, 8 Electromechanical relays, and 250 VAC 6A for powerful actuation of multiple devices in automated manufacturing and assembly line applications.
- Ext D1608S – 16 programmable Voltage inputs, 8 Solid State relays, and 24 VDC 3A for fast actuation of multiple devices in applications such as packaging, bottling, or paletting systems.
- Ext A0602 – 8 analog channels as inputs or outputs in 0-24V/4-20mA or as RTD inputs enabling: voltage/current analog signals management, temperature values acquisition through PT100, and precise controls of output signals used in water treatment and chemical plants.
Features of the Arduino Opta
The complete Arduino Opta series of modules, available from leading distributor TME.com, are secure and easy-to-use micro PLCs designed for security and durability. This robust device makes industrial and building automation accessible to virtually everyone. The modular architecture and connectivity options allow for easy integration with existing machines, devices, and production lines, as well as with any of the elements in the modular Arduino ecosystem–from compact sensor modules to powerful SOMs and gateways. Opta supports over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates and ensures data security from hardware to the cloud through its onboard secure element and compliance with the X.509 Standard.
Main Arduino Opta features
Opta enhances industrial automation capabilities by integrating seamlessly with load cells or vision systems to optimize manufacturing processes. It facilitates tasks such as managing production flow on conveyor belts, synchronized time printing on labels using Network Time Protocol (NTP), and real-time monitoring via local HMIs, Bluetooth® Low Energy, or remote connection to Arduino Cloud with custom dashboards. Additionally, Opta enables predictive maintenance by leveraging its computational power and machine learning algorithms to detect and preemptively address anomalies, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Notable features include the following:
- Modbus Communication
Gather data from sensors in the field using reliable industrial protocols, ideal for energy monitoring and management.
- Edge Decision-Making
STM32H747XI dual-core ARM® Cortex®-M7 + M4 to perform real-time operations and implement predictive maintenance capability. Powerful enough to run machine learning and AI algorithms on the edge without the need for being connected.
- Popular Connectivity Options
Several common connector options; such as USB Type C, are available for connecting automation solutions to the outside world. This includes Ethernet, which is standard on all models, an RS485 version for industrial protocols, and a WiFi variant that facilitates remote management.
- Actuate Devices
250V 10A relays for powerful actuation of devices such as conveyors or sortation machines used in material handling.
- Data Security
Designed to guarantee data security from the hardware to the cloud and from machine to machine.
- Local: anti-tampering, device identity, encrypted communication, and secure bootloader.
- Communication: data encryption, X.509 secure standard compliance.
- Arduino IoT Cloud: 2-factor authentication, secure firmware update.
- Easy Programming
Multiple programming options are available; including the Arduino sketch language, meaning that if you know the Arduino UNO, you can program a complex micro PLC with the same easy language. Opta’s inputs are simply seen as standard input pins and the relays can be actuated through digital write commands.
- For those preferring to use the “industrial norm,” the Opta can also be programmed with any of the five IEC 61131-3 PLC languages (Ladder, Functional Block Diagram, Structured Text, Sequential Function Chart, or Instruction List) through the Arduino PLC IDE.
- Remote Management
The Opta operates seamlessly and connects securely to the Arduino Cloud (or other third-party services), providing the ability to access and control the solution from anywhere, including OTA updates and instant notifications or alerts. (Note: The Opta can operate independently of the Cloud).
- DIN Rail
The Opta can be attached to a DIN Rail mount system, providing quick access to all the I/O’s.
Compact Arduino Opta makes it easier to retrofit an IoT module into an existing installation.
Applications and Use Cases
The Arduino Opta offers versatility for your automation/control system implementation. The range of applications for different modules is shown below.
Arduino Opta Typical Applications
|
Opta Use Cases
Improving efficiency and upgrading existing equipment and buildings typically comes down to how to gain access to and leverage data. Helping people to solve problems is all about providing them with data and information about the processes that are of interest to them.
Opta, together with Arduino Cloud, can provide managers with a bird’s-eye view of the key processes.
OEM Machine Retrofitting
Many current automation solutions prioritize reliability over flexibility. The Arduino Pro platform provides flexible, effortless integration without sacrificing reliability. Through its ability to be used with multiple I/O’s and communications protocols (Modbus / Field Bus), the Opta effectively provides different ways to interact with old equipment. Using only two wires, it is possible to connect a legacy machine to the Opta, adding Industry 4.0 capabilities to existing industrial equipment. Arduino Opta can bring smart functionality to those legacy machines that are the cornerstone of manufacturing plants around the globe. The Opta is suitable for use in the following key areas of industrial automation:
- Process manufacturing – example applications include: tank monitoring & water pump control, oven control, chemical injection, compressor condition monitoring, and remote & mobile assets field connectivity.
- Hybrid manufacturing (where there’s a need to add data)–example applications include remote assets monitoring, data aggregation for SCADA, energy monitoring, building automation (HVAC, access control), and service automation systems.
- Discrete manufacturing – example applications include: palletizing & depalletizing, packaging & labeling systems, door control systems, automated assembly lines, and material handling (conveyors, sortation, etc.).
By gaining real-time visibility into critical operating parameters and providing centralized insights via the Cloud into operating functions, the Opta drives efficiency improvements in the following applications:
- Predictive Maintenance
- Energy Consumption Monitoring
- Efficient Facility Management
- Zero Touch Manufacturing
- Precision Control on the Production Floor
Arduino Opta mounted in a control box of the Atlas Machine workshop
Opta: The Flexible Automation and Control Solution
Why the Opta?
Opta is complimentary and can be a diagnostics and behavioral “add-on” to your current automation and control systems (ERP, MES, SCADA, OEE, HMI…), enhancing the existing system by adding functionally that would otherwise be difficult and/or expensive to implement. The Opta can also function outside of legacy system core operation in a collaborative way, removing the need to re-audit the line.
Opta provides the Arduino flexibility that engineers love combined with industrial reliability.
- Add that last mile of connectivity as a micro PLC, adding Smart I/O capabilities.
- Use IEC 61131 and/or Arduino/C++ programming approaches in industry.
- Institutes Industrial certifications, reliability, and support have been built jointly with Finder, an industry-leading provider of I/O and relays.
Arduino solution provides excellent value for money, with a high value at the right price:
- Affordable hardware with software licensing costs included.
- Up to 80% less in deployment costs and up to 3x faster deployments.
- Secure, Cloud-connected, and certified.
This article serves as a comprehensive introduction to the module capabilities, potential applications, and important information provided by the Arduino Opta datasheet. For more information on the benefits of implementing the Arduino Opta as your automation/control system solution:
See Embedded World’s interview with Francesco Ficili.
If you’re looking for CAD models for common components or important information from resources like the Arduino Opta datasheet to help you design secure and reliable automation and control systems, Ultra Librarian helps by compiling all your sourcing and CAD information in one place.
Working with Ultra Librarian sets up your team for success to ensure streamlined and error-free design, production, and sourcing. Register today for free.
If you’re looking for any of our component footprints or models, we have readily available and free options for you and your design team. Search our library for the solution you’ve been looking for.
