Raspberry Pi PLC
| Type | Raspberry Pi-based industrial PLC |
| Core technology | Raspberry Pi 4B (2GB / 4GB / 8GB RAM — FLEX) |
| Operating system | Linux (Raspberry Pi OS) |
| Programming | Python, C/C++, Node-RED, Docker, CODESYS |
| Native wireless | No (optional via FLEX communication boards) |
| Linux support | Yes |
| Docker support | Yes |
| Node-RED support | Yes |
| Main role | Edge computing, Linux-based automation, data processing |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS |
What it is
A Raspberry Pi PLC is an industrial controller running Linux (Raspberry Pi OS) with professional industrial I/O. It combines field automation with the full software stack of a Linux computer, including Python, Node-RED, Docker and CODESYS.
When to use it
- When Linux, Python, Node-RED, Docker or CODESYS is required
- When the controller also needs to act as a data hub, protocol gateway or edge computing node
- When multi-process execution, local databases or BI integration are needed
- When communication boards (4G, LoRa, CAN, M-BUS, GPS) are required
When not to use it
- When the simplest deterministic bare-metal execution model is preferred — use Arduino PLC or ESP32 PLC instead
- When Linux maintenance and OS updates are not acceptable in the deployment context
- When native wireless (WiFi, Bluetooth) is the primary requirement and Linux is not needed — use ESP32 PLC instead
Key features
- Full Linux environment — run any Linux-compatible software or library
- Python, Node-RED, Docker, C/C++, CODESYS (IEC 61131-3)
- Multi-core processing: control, data and communications simultaneously
- FLEX models: choose Raspberry Pi 4B RAM (2GB / 4GB / 8GB) and optional communication boards
- I/O range: 0 (CPU-Gateway) to 62 points
CORE and FLEX
- FLEX: configurable — choose RPi RAM and communication boards (4G, LoRa EU/US/Asia, CAN, M-BUS, GPS, SIGFOX)
- CORE: most popular pre-configured combination, ready to order
Compatible software and protocols
- Python, Node-RED, Docker, C/C++, CODESYS, any Linux-compatible language or framework
- Ethernet (x2), RS485, RS232, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, MQTT, I2C, SPI, UART
- 4G/LTE, LoRa, CAN, M-BUS, GPS, SIGFOX (optional FLEX boards)
- AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub and other cloud platforms via Linux SDK
I/O specifications
Analog/convertible inputs configurable as 0–10V or 4–20mA. All digital outputs support PWM.
| Model | Analog in | Digital in | Digital out | Relay | Total I/O | CORE/FLEX | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raspberry PLC CPU-Gateway | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Yes | €349 |
| Raspberry PLC 19R | 4 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 17 | No | €409 |
| Raspberry PLC 21 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 21 | Yes | €399 |
| Raspberry PLC 38AR | 10 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 38 | No | €489 |
| Raspberry PLC 38R | 8 | 4 | 6 | 16 | 34 | No | €489 |
| Raspberry PLC 42 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 0 | 42 | No | €469 |
| Raspberry PLC 57R | 12 | 6 | 9 | 24 | 51 | Yes | €579 |
| Raspberry PLC 58 | 18 | 21 | 23 | 0 | 62 | No | €549 |
Prices are reference prices and may change.
Typical applications
- Edge computing and local data processing
- AI-based control systems (access control, vision, analytics)
- Multi-protocol gateway and data acquisition
- Node-RED dashboards and process monitoring
- Automation requiring Docker-based services or CODESYS
Related products
- GateBerry — when no field I/O is needed, only communication and data integration
- TouchBerry Pi — when a local touchscreen HMI is also needed
- moduleX — to expand I/O via Modbus RTU
- ESP32 PLC — when Linux is not needed but wireless is