Raspberry Pi controllers are a series of microprocessor-based Single Board Computers (SBCs) that work in conjunction with small output signal relays capable of changing current in a circuit. This controller is capable of important job data input and output for actuators without other controllers like Arduino boards.
However, the general purpose input/output (GPIO) pins on a Raspberry Pi controller only support one type of digital signal for data input and output. For customer convenience, since the relays are controlled via a digital output, they can be connected to a Raspberry Pi controller directly without mediators.
First, the Polish automation manufacturer Techbase used the Raspberry Pi for industrial automation in 2014. The company then created its ModBerry industrial computer, which later had RS-485 and RS-232 serial ports, various interfaces, digital and analog inputs, and Departures. Its design is suitable for use in heavy industrial environments, which is why it became popular for programming electric linear actuators and the microcontrollers that work with them.
How can the Raspberry Pi be easily used in conjunction with Arduino electric linear actuator microcontrollers? Using a common computer, it is possible to download the latest version of the Raspbian – Raspberry Pi software.
Then you need to unzip, load and install it on the micro SD card with win32 disk image software. Subsequently, the micro SD card must be inserted into the PI chip connected to a keyboard and mouse via USB as well as to a screen with an HDMI cable. The system can be powered by a quintuple phone charger.
As soon as this is done, the Raspberry Pi will set up the operating system. In a few minutes, the connected screen will welcome you with the usual desktop. Then the programming part begins. For programming, the two most common languages for the Raspberry Pi are Python and C. However, the C language is most often used for the Raspberry Pi. With a few pieces of C code, the Raspberry Pi ground will be configured to do the same job that the Arduino microcontroller can do.
However, Arduino is the way to go for simpler electronics projects. But when it comes to more data-intensive projects with numerous variables and data calculation, the Raspberry Pi is the perfectly suitable single-board computer.
Currently there are several models of Raspberry Pi. The latest released is the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+. According to the engineers who tested them all, it is faster and easier to use compared to previous models. Whereas Raspberry Pi Zero and Zero W are much smaller and require less power supply.
This makes them much more convenient for implementation in robotics. However, when working with prototypes, it is best to start the project with the Raspberry Pi 3 but end with the Pi Zero when the prototype is ready.
Raspberry Pi controllers have a micro USB port for connecting one to a power outlet. Requires a power source of at least 2.5 amps. It is always better to use power supplies from the Raspberry Pi family.
Also, as an extremely important element of all technology, there is the SD card responsible for storing data and the Raspbian operating system. The amount of free space required is at least 8 GB. The Raspberry Pi requires a display and a cable to connect it to the Pi. Its HDMI ports are compatible with most modern TVs and PCs. Although such luck can rarely be spoiled. If it has a DVI port, it can easily be connected to a Pi with the HDMI to DVI cable. If they exist!
As a computer, the Raspberry Pi can be useful to engineers for various purposes. It is one of the cheapest computers capable of processing a large amount of information and, at the same time, remaining completely portable. It is also suitable to be used as an IOT device and therefore suitable for programming microcontrollers that operate electric linear actuators from engineering leaders such as Progressive Automation.
In addition to Arduino-based microprocessors, Raspberry Pi microprocessors run Linux. And they can be programmed in C++, Java, Python and many others. However, Arduino is much easier to set up and operate compared to the Raspberry Pi, as the latter is more demanding and requires a lot of initial configuration before moving to the development stage, which means installing the operating system on micro SD.
Besides. The Raspberry Pi requires the implementation of additional peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, and display. Also, remote operation is much more complicated when it comes to the Raspberry Pi. You should do it through a local IP (LAN/WIFI) As in Arduino, all you need is a USB port and a laptop or personal computer. However, the Raspberry Pi will be useful for making microcontrollers capable of parallel processing without noticeable delays. And just a gentle reminder that the Raspberry Pi is the third best-selling computer brand in the world loved by thousands of engineers.
