Sfera Labs Launches the new Quad RS-422 / RS-485 X2-Series Expansion Board for Strato Pi Max
Sfera Labs, a leader in industrial-grade open technology solutions, announces the release of its new Quad RS-422 / RS-485 X2-Series Expansion Board for the Strato Pi Max platform. Designed to meet the most demanding communication needs, this expansion board delivers four independently configurable high-speed serial ports, supporting supporting RS-422, RS-485 half-duplex and RS-485 full-duplex communication.
Key Highlights
- Versatile Serial Connectivity – Each channel can be set independently as RS-422 or RS-485, adapting to mixed-protocol environments and enabling custom topologies with a mix of multidrop and point-to-point communication.
- Signal Integrity and Diagnostics – Includes selectable termination resistors, slew rate limiter, and optional local TX echo on RS-485 lines.
- Industrial-Grade Protection – Built-in electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection ensures robust field performance.
- Status at a Glance – Front-panel LEDs indicate board power and per-channel RX/TX activity for fast diagnostics.
Broad Protocol Support & Application Versatility
This expansion board significantly enhances Strato Pi Max’s capabilities in industrial control, building automation, energy management, transportation, and beyond. By supporting popular protocols such as Modbus RTU and BACnet MS/TP it enables seamless integration with a wide range of equipment including PLCs, HVAC units, meters, sensors, and lighting systems.
Strato Pi Max’s inherent support for IoT and IIoT applications is further enhanced, providing secure, scalable communication with both modern and legacy field devices.
Multiple Ports, Maximum Flexibility
With four individually configurable interfaces on a single module, users can:
- Isolate and segment communication lines across different subsystems.
- Mix communication standards within the same application environment.
- Enable redundancy and failover setups for mission-critical operations.
On Strato Pi Max XL, which supports up to four expansion slots, users can configure up to 16 independent RS-422/RS-485 interfaces, ideal for dense, multi-bus deployments.
This eliminates the need for multiple modules or external adapters, reducing system complexity and physical footprint.
For smaller installations, the Strato Pi Max XS supports a single Quad RS-422/RS-485 X2-Series Expansion Board, adding four independently configurable high-speed serial ports – all within a compact and robust 6-module DIN-rail controller.
Seamless Integration with Strato Pi Max
Strato Pi Max is Sfera Labs’ successful modular industrial controller, renowned for its high configurability and versatility. Thanks to the X2-Series expansion boards, it offers a wide range of I/O, connectivity, and UPS options to suit diverse application needs.
The Strato Pi Max XL supports up to four X2-Series expansion boards, while the more compact Strato Pi Max XS features a single expansion slot — making it ideal for smaller installations.
Strato Pi Max is powered by the Raspberry Pi Compute Module, bringing the flexibility and ecosystem of the Raspberry Pi into industrial-grade applications. As a true Industrial Raspberry Pi, it combines open architecture with certified reliability for demanding environments.
Compatible with both Strato Pi Max XS and XL variants, the Quad RS-422 / RS-485 X2-Series Expansion Board plugs into a robust platform known for its:
- Modular expandability, including analog/digital I/O, CAN, and UPS boards
- Hybrid CM4/5 + RP2040 architecture, combining the power of a CPU with the precise control of an integrated microcontroller
- Advanced power management, including low-power operating modes and independent power control for subsystems
- Security and reliability with secure boot, watchdog functionality, and multiple redundant storage options
Together, the Strato Pi Max and the new Quad RS-422 / RS-485 Expansion Board offer a powerful solution for advanced industrial automation, built on the open, modular design principles that define Sfera Labs.