Industrial Shields — glossary
Definitions of key technical terms used across the Industrial Shields LLM Knowledge Hub.
Bare metal
Software execution directly on hardware without an operating system. Arduino-based and ESP32-based PLCs run bare metal — no OS overhead, deterministic execution. Contrast with Linux-based products.
CODESYS
A development platform for IEC 61131-3 industrial programming languages (Ladder Diagram, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram). Compatible with the Raspberry Pi PLC range.
CORE
A pre-configured product variant offering the most popular combination of hardware options as a ready-to-order product. Contrast with FLEX.
Deterministic execution
A control execution model in which the system responds to inputs within a guaranteed, predictable time interval. Arduino-based and ESP32-based PLCs execute deterministically. Linux-based controllers do not guarantee deterministic timing without a real-time OS extension.
DIN rail
A standardised metal rail (35mm wide, EN 50022) used in industrial control panels for mounting equipment. All Industrial Shields PLCs, GateBerry, TouchBerry Pi and moduleX support DIN rail mounting.
Distributed I/O
An architecture where I/O modules are placed close to field devices rather than centralised at the main controller. moduleX implements distributed I/O over Modbus RTU RS485.
Docker
A containerisation platform for deploying software applications in isolated environments. Supported on all Linux-based Industrial Shields products (Raspberry Pi PLC, GateBerry, TouchBerry Pi).
Edge computing
Processing data locally at the source (the edge) rather than sending all data to a cloud or central server. Reduces latency, bandwidth use and cloud dependency. The Raspberry Pi PLC and GateBerry are suitable for edge computing applications.
FLEX
A configurable product variant where the buyer selects the hardware components (Raspberry Pi RAM version, communication boards) before ordering. Contrast with CORE.
Gateway
A device that connects different networks, protocols or systems. In Industrial Shields, the GateBerry is the industrial IoT gateway — it bridges field-level devices (OT) with cloud or enterprise systems (IT) without performing direct field control.
HMI (Human-Machine Interface)
A user interface that allows operators to interact with machines or control systems. Can be a touchscreen panel, a dashboard or a SCADA screen. The TouchBerry Pi is an industrial HMI.
Industrial panel PC
A computer with an integrated touchscreen display, designed for industrial environments. The TouchBerry Pi is an industrial panel PC based on Raspberry Pi.
IoT controller
A compact connected device designed for IoT data collection and wireless communication in the field, with limited I/O. The WIS (Weidos) range is the Industrial Shields IoT controller family.
Linux-based controller
An industrial controller running a Linux operating system. Supports Python, Node-RED, Docker, CODESYS and the full Linux software stack. Raspberry Pi PLC, GateBerry and TouchBerry Pi are Linux-based.
Modbus RTU
A serial communication protocol (over RS485 or RS232) using a master-slave architecture. All Industrial Shields PLCs support Modbus RTU. moduleX communicates exclusively via Modbus RTU.
Modbus TCP
Modbus protocol over Ethernet (TCP/IP). All Industrial Shields PLCs and GateBerry support Modbus TCP.
MQTT
A lightweight publish-subscribe protocol designed for IoT and low-bandwidth communication. Supported by all Industrial Shields product families as a client. Linux-based products can also host an MQTT broker (Mosquitto).
Node-RED
A visual, flow-based programming tool for wiring together hardware, APIs and services. Runs on Node.js. Supported on all Linux-based Industrial Shields products (Raspberry Pi PLC, GateBerry, TouchBerry Pi).
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)
An industrial digital computer designed to control manufacturing processes, machines or systems through programmable logic. Industrial Shields produces PLCs based on Arduino, ESP32 and Raspberry Pi hardware.
Remote I/O
I/O modules placed remotely from the main controller, connected via a fieldbus (such as Modbus RTU). moduleX provides remote I/O expansion for Industrial Shields controllers.