Introduction to Arduino Boards for Industrial Use

Arduino is renowned for its flexibility and ease of use, making it a popular choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. However, when it comes to industrial applications, certain board features are essential to ensure durability, reliability, and performance. This article explores the available Arduino boards for industrial use, including the Portenta H7, a high-performance option designed for professional and industrial environments.

Enhanced Durability and Industrial Features

Several Arduino boards are specifically designed for industrial applications, offering enhanced features that make them suitable for rugged and demanding environments. These boards typically include:

Enhanced durability with robust build quality Extended temperature ranges to handle extreme conditions Additional features like built-in connectivity, Wi-Fi, and robust enclosures

Popular Options for Industrial Use

The following boards are well-suited for industrial applications:

Arduino MKR Series

The MKR series from Arduino is designed for professional and industrial use. These boards are known for their:

Enhanced durability Extended temperature ranges High-performance capabilities Support for various connectivity options Edge computing capabilities

Arduino Portenta H7

The Portenta H7 is a dual-core processor board suitable for complex tasks in industrial applications. It offers:

High-performance computing capabilities Support for various connectivity options Designed for edge computing

Arduino Industrial 101

This board is specifically designed for industrial applications and integrates Wi-Fi connectivity. It is built to withstand the rigors of industrial environments.

Arduino Mega 2560

The Mega 2560 is often used in industrial projects due to its large number of I/O pins and compatibility with various shields. While it is not explicitly labeled as industrial, it is a robust option for many industrial applications.

Third-Party Solutions

There are also various third-party boards and shields based on the Arduino platform that are specifically designed for industrial use. These solutions offer features such as:

Rugged enclosures for durability Extended power supply options Industrial communication protocols like RS-485 and CAN

Designing Industrial Arduino Boards

For truly industrial applications, customizing your own Arduino board design is also an option. Here are some key modifications to consider:

Diodes and Noise Filters

To prevent overvoltage and ensure stability, consider adding:

Metal oxide varistors (MOVs) and transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diodes in parallel to the power lines A filter using a ferrite bead and capacitor for power lines to filter out high-frequency noise Common mode chokes if you have differential lines in your design to remove common mode noise

Thermal Management

Effective heat sinking is crucial in industrial environments to protect the controller and power conversion devices. Consider:

Using heat sinks for regulators and other power conversion components Making use of larger component packages to dissipate heat more effectively ESD suppression diodes on GPIO pins interfacing with HMI components

Conclusion

When selecting an Arduino board for industrial use, consider the operating conditions and application needs. The Portenta H7 is a high-performance option, while other boards like the MKR series and Industrial 101 offer robust industrial-grade features. Customization and additional components can further enhance the board's performance and durability in rugged environments.