#arm embedded computer

With the rapid development of renewable energy sources, electrochemical Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have become essential components of modern power systems. BESS plays a critical role in peak shaving and valley filling, emergency backup power, as well as in microgrids, distributed energy resources, and smart grids.

In BESS, communication is the core enabler for ensuring safe, stable, and efficient system operation. Among various communication protocols, the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus has emerged as the standard interface for interconnecting the Battery Management System (BMS), Power Conversion System (PCS), and Energy Management System (EMS).

Hierarchical Communication Architecture of BESS

A complete BESS typically consists of multiple hierarchical layers:

Cell: The fundamental energy storage unit.

Module: Composed of multiple cells.

Rack/Cluster: Multiple modules connected to a Battery Monitoring Unit (BMU).

Battery Management System (BMS): Monitors and protects the entire battery cluster.

Power Conversion System (PCS): Controls charging/discharging and interfaces with the grid.

Energy Management System (EMS): Handles energy scheduling and remote monitoring.

In this multi-layer architecture, information must be transmitted rapidly between different control units, including:

Monitoring parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, State of Charge (SOC), and State of Health (SOH).

Charging/discharging commands, alarms, and protection signals.

System operational status and energy control instructions.

This environment is where the CAN bus excels, providing robust and efficient data exchange.

Technical Advantages of CAN Bus in BESS

The CAN bus offers several key advantages tailored to the demanding requirements of BESS:BESS RequirementCAN Bus FeatureExplanationHigh ReliabilityDifferential signaling + redundancy checksEnsures stable communication in high-voltage, high-current environmentsMulti-Node SupportAccommodates hundreds of nodesEnables shared bus access for multiple BMS clusters, PCS, and EMSStrong Real-Time PerformanceArbitration mechanism prioritizes high-priority messagesFault alarms uploaded in millisecondsFault ToleranceAutomatic retransmission and error isolationSingle-node failures do not disrupt the entire networkLow Cost and Simple WiringOnly two signal lines (CAN_H, CAN_L)Reduces installation costsStandardized InterfaceISO 11898 international standardBroad compatibility with various BESS equipment

Typical CAN Communication Architecture in BESS

The CAN bus forms the backbone of data flow in a typical BESS setup, as illustrated below:

text[Battery Module] ─┐ [Battery Module] ─┼──> CAN Bus ───> [BMS Controller] ───> [PCS] ───> [EMS / Cloud] [Battery Module] ─┘

Key data flows include:

BMU → BMS: Uploads individual cell voltages, temperatures, and balancing information.

BMS → PCS: Transmits current limits, protection commands, and status updates.

PCS ↔ EMS: Supports energy scheduling and remote monitoring via CAN or Modbus-TCP.

Application of ARMxy BL410 Edge Gateway in BESS

To enable efficient data acquisition and protocol conversion, BESS systems often incorporate ARM-based edge gateways as bridges between the BMS and upper-layer systems. The ARMxy BL410 edge gateway is a high-reliability device specifically designed for such industrial applications.

Supports X/Y series I/O expansion boards for flexible configuration of RS485, CAN, RS232, DI/DO, AI/AO interfaces.

Acquires data from battery packs, current sensors, and PCS control units via CAN ports.

Features a Rockchip RK3568 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor and 1 TOPS NPU for on-device AI algorithms.

Pre-installed with BLIoTLink protocol conversion software, supporting Modbus, IEC104, MQTT, OPC UA, and more.

Enables rapid cloud uploading and visualization of BESS data using Node-RED and Docker.

Complies with industrial-grade -40°C to 85°C temperature range and EMC standards, suitable for power and energy storage sites.

Thus, the BL410 gateway collects BMS data via CAN bus, performs local AI analysis, and uploads it to the EMS or cloud, enabling true edge-intelligent BESS management.

Industry Standards and Practical Applications

In standards from the State Grid Corporation of China and China Southern Power Grid, CAN bus is mandated as a required communication interface between BMS and PCS. Leading BESS manufacturers (e.g., Huawei, Sungrow, BYD, CATL, Pylontech) all provide CAN-based interface protocols.

The ARMxy BL410, with its versatile CAN and RS485 acquisition capabilities, is widely deployed in battery monitoring, BMS communication relaying, PCS control, and data cloud integration.

Conclusion

The adoption of CAN bus communication in BESS is not merely a technical choice but an industry consensus. With its high reliability, strong anti-interference capabilities, excellent real-time performance, multi-node support, and standardized interfaces, CAN bus provides a secure, stable, and efficient communication foundation for BESS.

When paired with CAN-compatible edge gateways like the ARMxy BL410, BESS systems achieve intelligent edge-side data collection, AI analysis, and remote connectivity, driving the digital and intelligent transformation of energy management.

Case Details

Pump stations, as critical components of water conservancy, industrial, and urban infrastructure, directly impact system performance and operational costs through their operational stability and maintenance efficiency. Traditional pump station maintenance relies on scheduled inspections, which are costly and difficult to predict failures. In recent years, with the development of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and condition monitoring technologies, vibration-based predictive maintenance (Condition-Based Maintenance, CBM) has become key to improving pump station efficiency. The ARM embedded computer BL450, paired with the Y37 IEPE module, provides a high-performance, flexible, and reliable solution for pump station maintenance. This article explores the specific applications, advantages, and implementation methods of this combination.

Overview of BL450 and Y37 IEPE Module

BL450 Embedded Computer

The BL450 series is an industrial-grade ARM embedded controller based on the Rockchip RK3588 processor, with the following key features:

High-Performance Hardware: Equipped with Cortex-A53 cores (optional Cortex-M0), supporting 32GB eMMC storage and 4GB LPDDR4X memory, suitable for complex data processing tasks.

Flexible I/O Configuration: Supports 1-3 Ethernet ports (10/100/1000M), USB, RS485, and X/Y board expansion interfaces, meeting diverse application needs.

Communication Expansion: Optional WiFi (BL450W) or 4G (BL450L) modules, supporting industrial protocols like MQTT and BLiotLink for seamless cloud platform integration.

Environmental Adaptability: Passes electromagnetic compatibility and environmental suitability tests, with a compact size (4283110mm), ideal for harsh pump station environments.

Development Support: Offers extensive development examples (e.g., Linux, Node-RED, Docker, OpenCV, ROS), simplifying application development.

Y37 IEPE Module

The Y37 IEPE module is designed for piezoelectric vibration sensors (IEPE/ICP sensors) and features:

High-Precision Data Acquisition: Provides a 4mA constant current source, supporting multi-channel vibration signal acquisition, ideal for monitoring vibration characteristics of pump station equipment (e.g., pumps, motors, bearings).

Easy Integration: Connects via the BL450’s Y-board slot (6-pin interface), compatible with various sensors.

Durable Design: Encased in a metal waterproof housing, suitable for the humid and vibration-intensive pump station environment.

Applications in Pump Station Maintenance

Vibration Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis

Vibration signals from pump station equipment are critical indicators of operational status. The Y37 IEPE module collects vibration data from pumps, motors, or bearings, and the BL450’s high-performance processor enables real-time analysis to detect issues such as:

Imbalance: Abnormal vibrations caused by impeller or rotor imbalance.

Looseness: Vibrations due to loose mechanical connections.

Bearing Wear: Specific frequency vibrations from bearing degradation or insufficient lubrication.

The BL450 supports NPU and OpenCV development examples, enabling algorithms like Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to extract spectral features from vibration signals for precise fault identification. For instance, analyzing peak vibration frequencies can provide early warnings of bearing failure, extending equipment lifespan.

Data Acquisition and Cloud Platform Integration

The BL450 uploads vibration data collected by the Y37 module to cloud platforms (e.g., smart pump station cloud platforms) via BLiotLink industrial protocols and MQTT communication. Operators can monitor equipment status in real-time through web interfaces or mobile apps, optimizing pump station operations. The 4G (BL450L) or WiFi (BL450W) modules ensure reliable data transmission for remote pump stations, particularly during flood season for remote start-stop control.

Additionally, the BL450 supports Node-RED and Docker, allowing developers to quickly build data processing workflows for preprocessing, storing, and visualizing vibration data. For example, a Node-RED workflow can integrate vibration data with parameters like water level and pressure to generate comprehensive operational reports.

Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)

Traditional pump station maintenance relies on scheduled shutdowns, which are inefficient and costly. The BL450, combined with the Y37 module, enables condition-based maintenance by predicting equipment failures through real-time vibration data analysis, reducing unnecessary maintenance. The BL450’s ROS (Robot Operating System) development examples support automation control, dynamically adjusting pump station parameters to improve efficiency.

For instance, the system can trigger alerts based on vibration data, prompting maintenance personnel to inspect specific equipment, reducing the risk of unexpected failures. In the long term, CBM significantly lowers maintenance costs and extends equipment lifespan.

Adaptability to Harsh Environments

Pump stations typically operate in humid, vibration-intensive environments. The BL450 passes electromagnetic compatibility and environmental suitability tests, and the Y37 module’s metal waterproof design ensures stable operation under harsh conditions. The compact size and modular design facilitate integration into pump station control cabinets, minimizing installation space requirements.

Conclusion

The ARM embedded computer BL450, paired with the Y37 IEPE module, provides an efficient and reliable solution for pump station maintenance. Through high-precision vibration monitoring, cloud platform integration, and condition-based maintenance, the system enables early fault detection, optimized operational strategies, and reduced maintenance costs. Its flexible I/O configuration, extensive development support, and robust environmental adaptability make it ideal for industrial IoT applications in modern pump stations. As the demand for smart pump stations grows, this combination will play an increasingly vital role in smart water conservancy and industrial automation.

Case Details

With the rapid development of the aquaculture industry, automation and intelligent technologies have become increasingly critical in fish farm. ARM controllers, known for their high performance and low power consumption, provide efficient and reliable control systems for fish farms. This article, based on the features of the ARM Embedded Controller BL370 series, explores its application in fish farm automation, covering key areas such as water quality monitoring, feeding management, and environmental control.

ARM Embedded Controller BL370 Series

According to the ARM Embedded Controller BL370 datasheet, the BL370 series is an industrial-grade ARM embedded controller powered by a Rockchip processor, offering flexible I/O configurations and robust processing capabilities. Its key features include:

Flexible Modular Design: Users can customize ROM, RAM, and I/O configurations by selecting different System-on-Module (SOM) boards and X/Y boards. For example, the BL370-SOM370-X10 configuration includes 1 Ethernet port, 8GB eMMC, 1GB LPDDRX, and 2 RS485 ports, suitable for various industrial applications.

Environmental Adaptability: The BL370 series meets Chinese GB/T standards and corresponding IEC standards through low/high-temperature tests, vibration tests, and IP protection tests, ensuring stable operation in harsh industrial environments.

Rich Software Support: Pre-installed with BLIOTLink and BLRAT software, it supports the Ubuntu file system and provides development examples for Linux, Node-Red, and Docker, simplifying application development.

Communication Capabilities: Supports WiFi and 4G modules, enabling remote monitoring and data transmission.

These features make the BL370 series an ideal choice for fish farming automation.

Fish Farm Control Requirements

Fish farm operations require precise control of multiple environmental parameters to ensure healthy fish growth and efficient production. Key requirements include:

Water Quality Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of parameters such as water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and ammonia nitrogen levels.

Automated Feeding: Precise control of feeding times and quantities based on fish growth stages and environmental conditions.

Environmental Control: Regulation of water pumps, aerators, heaters, or coolers to maintain optimal farming conditions.

Remote Monitoring and Management: Cloud-based platforms for remote data access and device control to enhance management efficiency.

Data Logging and Analysis: Recording historical data and analyzing it to optimize farming strategies.

Applications of ARM Controller BL370 in Fish Farm

Water Quality Monitoring System

The BL370 controller’s flexible I/O interfaces can connect to various sensors for real-time water quality monitoring. For instance, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature sensors can be connected via RS485 interfaces, allowing the controller to collect data and process it using the pre-installed BLIOTLink software. Data can be uploaded to a cloud platform via Ethernet or 4G for remote access by farm managers.

Implementation:

Use the BL370-SOM370-X10 configuration to connect multiple sensors.

Develop data collection and processing workflows using Node-Red to generate real-time water quality reports.

Trigger alerts via MQTT protocol when water quality parameters exceed safe ranges, notifying farm managers.

Automated Feeding System

Feeding is a critical aspect of fish farming, as overfeeding or underfeeding can impact fish growth and water quality. The BL370 controller can control automatic feeding machines through digital output interfaces, adjusting feed quantities and schedules based on preset timetables or sensor data (e.g., water temperature, fish activity levels).

Implementation:

Configure the BL370’s I/O board to connect to feeder drive modules.

Develop feeding control programs using Linux or RT-Thread, integrating sensor data to dynamically adjust feeding strategies.

Upload feeding records to the cloud via BLIOTLink software for further analysis.

Environmental Control System

Fish are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature and oxygen levels. The BL370 controller can regulate water pumps, aerators, and heating/cooling devices through analog and digital outputs to maintain stable farming conditions. For example, it can activate an aerator when dissolved oxygen levels fall below a set threshold.

Implementation:

Connect water pumps and aerator relays to the BL370’s I/O interfaces.

Run environmental control algorithms using Docker containers for rapid response.

Enable remote device control via BLRAT software, allowing managers to operate equipment from smartphones or computers.

Remote Monitoring and Cloud Platform Integration

The BL370 supports WiFi and 4G modules, enabling real-time data uploads to cloud platforms. Through the BLIOTLink industrial protocol, the controller can seamlessly integrate with mainstream cloud platforms (e.g., AWS IoT, Alibaba Cloud). Managers can access real-time data, historical records, and device statuses via smartphones or computers.

Implementation:

Configure a 4G module (e.g., BL370L-SOM370-X10) for remote data transmission.

Run MQTT communication programs using Docker containers to push data to the cloud.

Develop Node-Red-based dashboards to display water quality, feeding, and environmental control data.

Data Logging and Analysis

The BL370 supports the Ubuntu file system and provides extensive development examples, making it suitable for data logging and analysis applications. Fish farms can use the controller to record long-term data, analyze trends in water quality, feeding efficiency, and fish growth, and optimize farming strategies.

Implementation:

Develop data storage programs using the Linux system, saving sensor data to eMMC storage.

Create user interfaces with QT to display data analysis results.

Perform big data analysis via cloud platforms to predict optimal feeding times and environmental parameters.

Advantages and Benefits

Implementing fish farm control solutions with the ARM Embedded Controller BL370 series offers the following advantages:

High Reliability: Proven through environmental adaptability tests, the BL370 operates stably in humid and high-temperature farm environments.

Flexibility: Modular design supports customized configurations to meet the needs of farms of varying scales.

Ease of Development: Rich development resources and example code reduce development complexity and deployment time.

Cost-Effectiveness: Integrated hardware and software solutions minimize the need for additional equipment, lowering overall costs.

Intelligent Management: Remote monitoring and data analysis capabilities enhance farming efficiency and reduce manual intervention.

Conclusion

The ARM Embedded Controller BL370 series, with its high performance, flexibility, and robust software support, provides a comprehensive automation solution for fish farming. By enabling water quality monitoring, automated feeding, environmental control, and remote management, this controller significantly improves farming efficiency and fish health while reducing operational costs. As IoT and AI technologies continue to advance, the BL370 series is poised to play an even greater role in smart aquaculture.

Case Details

In the paper production process, temperature control in the drying section is critical to ensuring paper quality. The drying section heats the paper web through multiple drying cylinders, requiring precise control of each cylinder’s surface temperature to meet the drying needs of different paper weights. This solution leverages an ARM Embedded IPC, integrated with Y-AI and Y-AO boards, to achieve an efficient and flexible steam regulation system.

System Configuration

ARMxy Main Controller: High-performance ARM architecture processor responsible for core computations and logic control.

Y-AI Board: Collects surface temperature data from drying cylinders, supporting multi-channel analog inputs.

Y-AO Board: Outputs control signals to adjust the steam regulating valve’s opening, supporting valve position feedback.

Implementation Method

Temperature Acquisition:

The Y-AI board connects to infrared thermometers, which output a 0-10V analog signal corresponding to a temperature range of 0-200°C.

Each drying cylinder is equipped with an independent thermometer for real-time surface temperature data collection.

The ARMxy Embedded IPC  reads voltage signals via the Y-AI board, converting them to temperature values with an accuracy of ±0.5°C.

Temperature Setting and Control Logic:

Based on the paper web speed (input from external sensors or DCS system), the controller automatically calculates the temperature setpoints for each drying cylinder.

Temperature setpoints are determined using a dynamic curve algorithm, accounting for paper weight, humidity, and production speed to ensure uniform drying.

The control algorithm employs PID regulation, adjusting the steam valve opening based on real-time temperature deviations.

Steam Valve Regulation:

The Y-AO board outputs a 4-20mA current signal to control the opening of the pneumatic regulating valve.

Valve opening is proportional to steam flow, enabling precise heat supply.

The Y-AO board supports valve position feedback, forming a closed-loop control system to further enhance regulation accuracy.

System Advantages

Flexibility: Operators can remotely access the ARM Embedded IPC via BLRAT+OpenPLC software to modify temperature curves in real time, adapting quickly to different paper weights.

High Precision: The combination of high-accuracy Y-AI board data acquisition and Y-AO board closed-loop control ensures temperature deviations remain below ±1°C, improving paper quality consistency.

Stability: The ARMxy Embedded IPC s high-performance computing ensures real-time system response, suitable for high-speed production environments.

Scalability: The modular design of the Y-series boards facilitates system expansion or maintenance, reducing long-term operational costs.

Conclusion

The steam regulation system, based on the ARMxy Embedded IPC  and Y-series boards, provides an efficient and precise temperature control solution for the paper machine drying section. With dynamic temperature setting, closed-loop control, and remote configuration capabilities, the system significantly enhances production efficiency and paper quality, meeting diverse production requirements.

Case Details

Core Challenges in Energy Storage

As renewable energy storage demand surges, critical issues emerge:

Safety Risks

Lack of early thermal runaway warnings

Current fluctuations accelerating battery degradation

Protocol Barriers

Multi-protocol conflicts (BMS/CAN, PCS/Modbus TCP, Grid/IEC 104)

Economic Constraints

Grid response delays reducing peak-valley arbitrage profits

Solution: BL341B-SOM341-X26-Y41-Y58 Architecture Innovation

Purpose-built for energy storage with a three-tier control system:Functional LayerHardware ModuleBreakthroughPrecision ControlY41 (4×AO 4-20mA)±0.1% current accuracy for milliampere-level regulationSafety ProtectionY58 (4× Thermocouple)192-point battery temperature sampling (10Hz refresh)Device InteractionX26 (8DI+4DO+2RS485)Real-time contactor monitoring & circuit breaker controlEdge IntelligenceSOM341 (16GB+2GB)Local AGC execution (<500ms latency)

✅ Key Advantages:

System Workflow: Energy-Data Synergy

1. Real-Time Monitoring

Y58 thermocouples detect >2°C/min temperature differentials, triggering 3-tier alerts

X26 DI channels identify contactor faults for millisecond-level disconnection

2. Dynamic Regulation

Y41 outputs 4-20mA signals to adjust PCS current per grid AGC commands

Auto-switches CC/CV charging modes based on SOC to extend battery life

3. Cloud Integration

Critical data (voltage/temperature/current setpoints) uploaded to AWS Cloud IoT via MQTT

Remote parameter tuning and BLRAT-assisted hardware diagnostics

20MWh Project Case Study

ChallengeBL341B SolutionQuantified BenefitBattery degradationY41 precision current control (±0.1%)15% longer cycle lifeDelayed thermal warningsY58 multi-point monitoring + gradient analysis30-minute early risk detectionSlow grid responseEdge-executed AGC (<500ms)+$1.2M/year arbitrage revenueHigh maintenance costsBLRAT remote troubleshooting40% lower OPEX

Industry Value: Why This Configuration?

Safety Upgrade

Direct thermocouple measurement (bypassing BMS) creates independent redundancy

Hardware overcurrent protection + multi-tier software alerts meet certification standards

Lifecycle Cost Reduction

Precision current control reduces battery degradation → 3+ years extended service life

Single-device replacement for PLC+gateway+controller → 35% hardware cost savings

Rapid Deployment

Pre-integrated protocol library cuts commissioning from 2 weeks to 3 days

DIN-rail mounting + IP30 rating adapts to containers/outdoor cabinets

Client Validation: *"Traditional solutions required 6 devices. The BL341B handles full-chain control from battery monitoring to grid interaction—achieving 5x faster fault recovery!"* —CTO,  Dutch energy storage integrator

Conclusion

The BL341B-SOM343-X26-Y41-Y58 redefines energy storage management through milliampere-precision control. Its current regulation capabilities and multi-protocol architecture deliver dual guarantees of safety and profitability—empowering clients to lead in the renewable energy transition.