Smart building applications with the new reComputer R1025-10

Quick Facts

The reComputer R1000 is a powerful and ready-to-deploy edge IoT controller built on the Raspberry Pi CM4 platform. It features a quad-core processor for efficient operation and supports flexible configurations with 3 isolated RS485, dual Ethernet, optional wireless connectivity (4G, LoRa®, Wi-Fi/BLE, Zigbee), multiple communication protocols, and pre-configured firmware. Ideal for smart building applications, the R1000 enables effective remote device management, energy control, and more.

Introduction

Smart building applications have been calling for reliant and robust Edge IoT controllers and Seeed Studio has recently added one to its reComputer family. The reComputer R1000-10-Raspberry Gateway is an Edge IoT controller with a quad-core Cortex-A72 built on the Raspberry Pi CM4 platform. The controller enables multiple wireless and wired connectivity options, subsequently allowing control and management of devices across smart building subsystems.

Just taking a look at the reComputer R1000  from the top (see Top view), the edge IoT controller has the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 which fits in the carrier board with the following interfaces:

• Dual ethernet interface: a one-gigabit port which supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and a fast port
• 2 USB 2.0 Type-A and a USB type-C connectors
• A HDMI 2.0 output
• 3 isolated RS485 ports
• a SIM card slot

The SIM card slot is connected to 2 Mini-PCIe slots on the bottom; the Mini-PCIe1 supports LTE, USB LoRa®, and USB Zigbee while the Mini-PCIe2 enables SPI LoRa®, USB LoRa® and USB Zigbee. There is also a Slot for M.2 expansion cards, allowing for additional functionality or SSD storage options on the bottom of the reComputer R1000.

The Raspberry Pi CM-4 module features 4 Arm Cortex-A72 processor cores running at up to 1.5GHz. It includes up to 8GB of RAM and up to 32GB of eMMC storage. The on-board Wi-Fi (2.4/5.0GHz) and Bluetooth (BLE 5.0) connectivity only add to the communication capabilities of the reComputer R1000, which can hence support BACnet, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP and KNX protocols. Hence, users can utilize the Edge-IoT controller in new construction projects and retrofit it into existing ones to automate smart building systems.The reComputer R1000 particularly excels in HVAC control, enabling users to remotely manage heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

The edge IoT controller finds application in various other smart building tasks, especially focusing on energy management. Additionally, an optional UPS battery backup ensures continuous operation and power-off notifications during outages, enhancing its robustness. The device also features overvoltage protection up to 40V and includes a reboot switch for easy system resets.

The carrier board also features a real-time clock with optional battery backup and the capability to add a supercapacitor for short-term UPS support. It also has LED lights which indicate the operational status of the controller. Seeed Studio encloses the reComputer R1000 in 6061 aluminum alloy casing, which is also compatible with DIN-rail and only adds to its suitability for smart building applications.

Note that though the reComputer R1000 supports PoE and a UPS (via supercapacitor), the respective modules need to be purchased separately.  The reComputer R1000-10-Raspberry Gateway is available with several accessory purchase options on Seeed Studio’s website with documentation and further specifications. The wiki page has the necessary support for your hands on the user-friendly Yocto and Buildroot supported OS controller.

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