The Industrial Shields ARDBOX is the first programmable logic controller based on Arduino technology designed specifically for professional industrial use. Manufactured by Boot and Work Corp, S.L. under the Industrial Shields brand, the ARDBOX is a compact DIN rail PLC built on Open Source Hardware (OSH) technology. At its core is an authentic Arduino Leonardo board (ATmega32u4 microcontroller) running at 16MHz, providing 32KB of Flash memory (with 4KB reserved for the bootloader), 2.5KB of SRAM, and 1KB of EEPROM. This foundation ensures full compatibility with the vast Arduino ecosystem while delivering the robustness and reliability required for industrial automation applications.

The ARDBOX offers a versatile I/O configuration designed to meet a wide range of industrial control needs. The standard 20 I/O configuration provides 10 inputs and 10 outputs. The inputs support both digital signals (7-24Vdc) and analog signals (0-10Vdc, 10-bit resolution), with up to 8 channels software-configurable between analog and digital modes. The outputs include 10 digital isolated outputs (5-24Vdc, 0.3A max), up to 4 of which can be software-configured as analog outputs (0-10Vdc, 8-bit PWM, 40mA max). Select models feature 8 relay outputs (220Vac, 5A) combined with 2 digital outputs for applications requiring higher power switching. All I/O points are protected by a 2.5A fuse, and the power input features polarity protection to prevent damage from wiring errors.

Communication is a cornerstone of the ARDBOX's design, enabling seamless integration into industrial networks. The base unit includes a Micro USB port for programming and debugging, RS485 (half-duplex only) with Modbus RTU protocol support, RS232, I2C, SPI, and TTL interfaces. For advanced connectivity, optional modules add WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), GPRS/GSM (based on SIM800L), or LoRaWAN capabilities. The I2C interface enables master-slave expansion, allowing up to 127 modules to be connected in a single network for a maximum of 2,540 I/O points. All components can be dynamically configured as either master or slave, providing exceptional flexibility for distributed control architectures.

Programming the ARDBOX is accomplished using the free, open-source Arduino IDE. Industrial Shields enhances this experience by providing dedicated board definitions, example sketches organized by product family, and additional libraries available through their GitHub repository. The PLC connects instantly to a PC via the USB port, enabling immediate program upload, real-time variable monitoring, and debugging. Standardized modules across the ARDBOX family ensure that programming knowledge transfers seamlessly between different models. The ARDBOX operates on a 12-24Vdc power supply with a maximum current consumption of 1.5A, and is designed for DIN rail mounting in a compact 100x45x115mm form factor. With an operating temperature range of 0°C to 45°C, the ARDBOX is suitable for a wide range of industrial automation, robotics, automotive, and IoT applications.

Technical Specifications