The RevPi Connect 4 uses the faster Broadcom BCM2711 processor, a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A72. With this upgrade, up to 8 GB of RAM is now available. In addition, an eMMC memory with either 8, 16 or 32 GB is available. The device supports WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity – either via the internal antenna or for better signal strength via an external antenna connected to the SMA connector.
Another innovation is the simple plug-and-play expansion of up to ten I/O modules instead of the previous five. These modules can be configured intuitively via a graphical user interface. Housed in the DIN rail housing, the RevPi Connect 4 is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet and two USB 3.2 Gen1 interfaces. In addition, it has an RS485 interface, a micro HDMI and a micro USB connection. The real-time clock (RTC) is no longer buffered by a capacitor, but by an integrated battery. A hardware watchdog is also integrated.
The device also has a HAT EEPROM. As soon as the device is flashed, device information such as type, serial number or MAC address is displayed. There are six RGB LEDs on the front of the Connect 4. Five of them can be individually programmed and controlled. A customized 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS including a real-time patch and process image is pre-installed. By default, the RevPi Connect 4 supports both Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP and offers client and server functions. Users can also equip the device with optional control and HMI software. In addition, the Connect 4 supports well-known protocols such as MQTT and OPC UA and makes it easier to program customer-specific applications, for example with Node-RED, Python and C.
Images: KUNBUS Revolution Pi
