Sfera Labs reveals latest evolution of Strato Pi Max

Strato Pi Max is a versatile Raspberry Pi Controller and features a modular design, a hybrid CPU/MCU architecture, and extensive customisation options. This adaptability allows the Strato Pi Max to support bespoke requirements of all industrial automation projects, as well as to evolve with them.

Housed in a compact, 9- or 6-module DIN-Rail case, Strato Pi Max features two Ethernet ports, SSD, eMMC and dual SD card storage options, as well as two USB 2.0 type-A ports, with individual power control and fault detection. The platform also incorporates a slate of robust reliability and security features, including redundant storage, secure element chip, tamper detection, and hardware watchdog.

The Strato Pi Max can be easily expanded via its X2-Series expansion boards in order to meet the specific needs of industrial automation projects. These expansion boards can add up to 16 RS-485 or RS-422 ports, 4 CAN V2.0B ports, digital and analog I/O, UPS, and LTE to provide a flexible, scalable and future-proof solution.

Building on its innovative design and advanced features, Strato Pi Max has quickly established itself as a versatile and reliable solution for industrial automation and IoT. Now, with the addition of the CM5, it reaches new heights of performance and capability.

The Raspberry Pi CM5 introduces a host of improvements over the CM4, including:

• Higher processing power: Featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 CPU clocked up to 2.4 GHz, the CM5 delivers up to 2.5x the performance of its predecessor, ensuring faster data processing and application responsiveness
• Enhanced GPU: The new VideoCore VII GPU improves the performance of GPU-accelerated tasks
• Improved memory options: LPDDR4 RAM up to 16 GB boosts performance and efficiency for memory-intensive applications

Strato Pi Max retains the features that have made it a go-to solution for demanding environments:

Two versions:

• XS: A compact model with one expansion slot for compact high-performance Edge-server applications
• XL: A scalable option with four expansion slots and advanced storage, including dual SD architecture for enhanced redundancy

• Hybrid CPU/MCU architecture: besides the high-performance, general-purpose CPU core provided by the Compute Module, Strato Pi Max also includes a powerful Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core microcontroller that, besides handling all housekeeping tasks, can also be used for low-level application logic. The RP2040 is in-field programmable by the Compute Module
• Extensive connectivity: Communicate with dual Ethernet, up to 16 RS-485/RS-422, 4 RS-232 or 4 CAN interfaces—perfect for managing large numbers of devices in automation, telemetry, or IoT
• Analog I/O: Galvanically isolated analog inputs support: Pt100, Pt1000, 0-10V, and 4-20mA, enabling seamless integration with sensors and controllers
• Digital I/O: up to 28 IEC 61131-2 compliant industrial digital inputs with diagnostics and 28 digital outputs that can be configured as high-side switches or push-pull drivers
• UPS: two UPS options, using external batteries or SuperCaps, for reliable power backup
• Cellular connectivity: The X2 LTE Carrier Board supports several LTE Cellular M.2 Modules, providing a versatile solution that can be tailored to the different requirements of global markets and mobile operators