Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Raspberry Pi
German: Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi is a family of low-cost single-board computers and compute modules developed by Raspberry Pi Ltd, typically running Linux. In automation it is used for prototypes, training, gateways and edge devices, and in industrial variants built by third parties around its compute modules.
- Automation components
- Vendor product
In one sentence
Raspberry Pi is a family of low-cost single-board computers used in automation for prototypes, training, gateways and edge devices.
Example
A maintenance team prototypes an energy-monitoring gateway on a Raspberry Pi that reads meters via Modbus and publishes values via MQTT.
How it applies
- Engineering: The boards are convenient for prototyping with Python and open-source tools. For production use, check industrial requirements such as temperature range, EMC, power supply, housing and long-term availability; industrial devices built on compute modules address some of these.
- Security: A Linux device on the plant network needs hardening, Patch management and user management like any other host.
- Documentation: If a prototype turns into a product, it needs the same technical documentation as any other controller, including conformity and security information.
A standard board is not a safety controller and does not replace a Programmable logic controller (PLC) for safety functions.
Keep in mind: Product names, models and features change. Check specifications and availability against the vendor's current documentation.