Features
- Versatile serial connectivity – Each channel can be independently configured as RS-422 or RS-485, allowing adaptation to mixed-protocol environments and enabling custom topologies with multidrop or point-to-point communication.
- Signal integrity and diagnostics – Includes selectable termination resistors, slew rate limiter, and optional local TX echo on RS-485 lines.
- Industrial-grade protection – Built-in electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for robust field performance.
- Status at a glance – Front-panel LEDs indicate board power and RX/TX activity for each channel for easy diagnostics.
This expansion board enhances the capabilities of the Strato Pi Max in industrial control, building automation, energy management, transportation, and more. By supporting popular protocols such as Modbus RTU and BACnet MS/TP, it enables seamless integration with a wide range of equipment, including PLCs, HVAC units, meters, sensors, and lighting systems.
The Strato Pi Max's native support for IoT and IIoT applications is further strengthened, providing secure and scalable communication with both modern and legacy field devices.
With four individually configurable interfaces in a single module, users can:
- Isolate and segment communication lines between different subsystems.
- Mix communication standards within the same application environment.
- Enable redundant and failover configurations for critical operations.
The Strato Pi Max XL, which supports up to four expansion slots, allows for the configuration of up to 16 independent RS-422/RS-485 interfaces, ideal for dense deployments with multiple buses.
This eliminates the need for multiple external modules or adapters, reducing system complexity and the required physical space.
For smaller installations, the Strato Pi Max XS supports a single Quad RS-422/RS-485 X2-Series expansion board, adding four configurable high-speed serial ports, all within a compact and rugged 6-module DIN rail mountable controller.
The Strato Pi Max XL supports up to four X2-Series expansion boards, while the more compact Strato Pi Max XS features a single expansion slot, making it ideal for small installations.
The Strato Pi Max is powered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module, bringing the flexibility and ecosystem of the Raspberry Pi to industrial-grade applications. As a true industrial Raspberry Pi, it combines an open architecture with certified reliability for demanding environments.
Compatible with both the XS and XL variants of the Strato Pi Max, the Quad RS-422/RS-485 X2-Series expansion board connects to a robust platform known for its:
- Modular expandability, including analog/digital I/O, CAN boards, and UPS
- Hybrid CM4/5 + RP2040 architecture, combining the power of a CPU with the precise control of an embedded microcontroller
- Advanced power management, including low-power modes and independent power control per subsystem
- Security and reliability, with secure boot, built-in watchdog timer, and multiple redundant storage options
