Arduino, with its open-source hardware and software platform, has revolutionized the world of electronics prototyping and DIY projects. Two popular Arduino-compatible products, Arduino Opta and Controllino, offer expanded capabilities for industrial and automation applications. In our earlier article, we have discussed about Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). This article aims to provide a detailed comparison between Arduino Opta and Controllino, exploring their features, functionalities, and suitability for various projects. We are comparing the top models from both of the brands.
Arduino Opta is not open source. Software used for Controllino can be found on GitHub.
Arduino Opta Overview
Arduino Opta is an industrial-grade programmable logic controller (PLC) based on the Arduino platform and relatively new. It is designed for automation, control, and monitoring applications in industrial settings.
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Arduino Opta is built with industrial-grade components, ensuring durability and reliability in harsh environments. The Opta system consists of a baseboard and modular expansion boards (Opta Modules) for additional functionality, such as digital inputs/outputs, analog inputs, and communication interfaces.
Arduino Opta is programmable using the usual Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) and a new IDE for the PLC, allowing users to write code in C/C++ and upload it to the controller via USB or Ethernet. It supports IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
With support for Opta Modules, users can expand the functionality of Arduino Opta to suit specific project requirements, making it highly versatile. Arduino Opta features multiple communication interfaces, including Ethernet, RS-485, RS-232, and CAN bus, WiFi, Bluetooth etc enabling seamless integration with other devices and systems.
These PLCs offer GPIO status indicators for some of the pins.
Controllino Overview
Controllino is a line of PLCs developed by Controllino GmbH, specifically designed for industrial automation and control applications. It offers a range of features tailored to meet the needs of industrial users.
Controllino PLCs are housed in sturdy DIN rail-mountable enclosures, making them suitable for installation in industrial environments. Controllino PLCs come with built-in digital and analog inputs/outputs, allowing users to connect sensors, actuators, and other devices directly to the controller.
These PLCs are programmable using the Arduino IDE, similar to Arduino boards, making it easy for users familiar with Arduino to get started. While Python is not natively supported on Controllino, it is possible to interface Controllino with a Raspberry Pi or another device running Python to control or monitor the PLC remotely. Blockly is a visual programming language that allows users to create programs by arranging blocks on a canvas. There are Blockly libraries available for Arduino, which can be used with Controllino to create programs visually. Out of the box it supports OpenPLC, Visuino, logi.CAD and so on.
Controllino offers expansion options through various models with different input/output configurations, providing scalability to accommodate a wide range of projects.
Controllino PLCs support communication protocols such as Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, and CAN bus, facilitating communication with other devices and systems in industrial automation setups.
These PLCs offer standard GPIO status indicators for the pins.
Comparison
Now, let’s compare Arduino Opta and Controllino based on several factors:
Flexibility: Both Arduino Opta and Controllino offer flexibility in terms of programming and expansion options. However, Arduino Opta’s modular design with Opta Modules provides greater flexibility for customizing the controller’s functionality to specific project requirements.
Robustness: Both Arduino Opta and Controllino are designed to withstand harsh industrial environments, featuring rugged construction and industrial-grade components. However, Controllino’s DIN rail-mountable enclosures may offer slightly better protection against environmental factors like dust, moisture, and vibration.
Integrated Inputs/Outputs: Controllino PLCs come with integrated digital and analog inputs/outputs, simplifying wiring and reducing the need for external expansion modules. In contrast, Arduino Opta requires separate Opta Modules for additional inputs/outputs, which may add to the overall cost and complexity of the system.
Communication Interfaces: Both Arduino Opta and Controllino support various communication interfaces for connecting to other devices and systems. However, the specific communication protocols supported may vary between models, so users should choose the model that best meets their communication requirements.
Target Audience: Arduino Opta is focused towards development and teaching (it is questionable how a closed source third party product can teach you development). Controllino is focused towards real life deployment.
Conclusion
In summary, both Arduino Opta and Controllino offer powerful solutions for industrial automation and control applications, with robust construction, programmability, and communication capabilities. The choice between Arduino Opta and Controllino ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the project, including flexibility, integrated inputs/outputs, expandability, and communication options. By carefully evaluating these factors, users can select the PLC that best suits their industrial automation needs. It seems to us that Controllino is more optimized for faster deployment whereas Arduino Pro and Arduino Opta are more suitable for learning and development. Both, although appear similar are not equivalent. Arduino Opta is more advanced from specification point of view.
