The BL118 Node-RED edge computing gateway integrates multi-protocol access, low-code development, and remote O&M, supporting flexible expansion and industrial-grade stability for smart factories, smart energy, and other scenarios.
Case Details
As industrial digitalization accelerates, the interconnection of multi-brand PLCs, sensors, and control devices has brought severe challenges to traditional IoT systems—including fragmented protocols, high secondary development thresholds, inefficient remote O&M, and unstable operation in harsh environments.
The
BL118 series Node-RED edge computing gateway, equipped with a dual-core Cortex-A7 processor and preinstalled visual programming environment, has become a core cornerstone for breaking industrial "data silos" and simplifying IIoT deployment. It integrates multi-protocol compatibility, flexible expansion, and edge computing capabilities to provide a one-stop intelligent solution for smart factories, smart energy, and smart cities.
Modern industrial scenarios impose higher requirements on edge gateways:
- Unified access to multi-brand, multi-protocol industrial devices (PLCs, sensors, meters)
- Low-threshold secondary development to adapt to personalized business needs
- Remote O&M and fault diagnosis to reduce on-site workload
- Stable operation in harsh industrial environments (-45~80℃, electromagnetic interference)
- Flexible networking and expansion to match different project scales
The BL118 gateway perfectly meets these demands through its integrated hardware-software design, redefining the efficiency of industrial IoT deployment.
Deployed at industrial sites, the BL118 connects terminal devices and interfaces with cloud platforms, with core functions and implementation processes as follows:
- Terminal Side: Multi-brand PLCs (Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, etc.) output data via RS485/CAN/Ethernet, while sensors/metering devices support Modbus, BACnet, IEC104 and other protocols.
- Gateway Side: Through 4/8 isolated RS485/232/CAN ports and expandable X/Y boards, the BL118 collects heterogeneous data uniformly. The preinstalled Node-RED visual platform processes data locally (filtering, conversion, logical judgment) via drag-and-drop nodes, reducing cloud transmission pressure.
- Upload Side: Standardized data is uploaded to cloud platforms (Alibaba Cloud, Huawei Cloud, AWS IoT, etc.) via MQTT/OPC UA/HTTP protocols, supporting wired + optional 4G/5G/WiFi hybrid networking for stable transmission in complex environments.
- Hardware Expansion: 1 X-series IO board slot and 2 Y-series IO board slots support expansion of GPIO, DI/DO, AI/AO, RTD, TC and other interfaces, adapting to diverse signal collection needs.
- Software Development: Node-RED V4.0.0 preinstalled with over 5,000 official + third-party nodes, enabling users to build custom logic (e.g., equipment linkage control, fault alarm rules) without professional coding skills.
- Rapid Deployment: Completed projects can be exported as JSON files for one-click import, supporting Docker containerization deployment and batch replication across multiple devices.
- Status Monitoring: The gateway collects real-time operating data (CPU/memory usage, network signal, interface status) and uploads it to the cloud, supporting 24/7 remote monitoring.
- Remote Operation: Via BLRAT remote tools, users can remotely configure parameters, upgrade firmware, debug Node-RED flows, and troubleshoot terminal device faults (e.g., PLC parameter modification) without on-site visits.
- Fault Self-Healing: Equipped with independent hardware + software watchdogs, the gateway automatically restarts (restart time < 3 seconds) in case of program crashes or disconnections, restoring configurations and connections to ensure uninterrupted operation.
- Harsh Environment Resistance: Aluminum alloy shell + IP30 protection, passing EMC/EMI tests and -45~80℃ high-low temperature verification, adapting to dusty, high-humidity, and strong electromagnetic interference industrial sites.
- Power Supply Protection: DC 9-36V wide voltage input with anti-reverse connection and overcurrent protection, avoiding damage caused by unstable power supply.
- Processor: Allwinner T113-i (22nm, dual Cortex-A7, up to 1.2GHz, with HiFi4 DSP and RISC-V core)
- Storage: 512MB/1GB DDR3 RAM, 4GB/8GB eMMC ROM, support for SD card expansion
- Network Interfaces: 1×1000M + 1×100M Ethernet ports (ESD Level 3, EFT Level 3), optional 4G/5G/WiFi modules (Mini PCIE interface)
- Standard Interfaces: 2×USB2.0 HOST, 1×Micro USB debug port, 1×NANO SIM card slot, 2×SMA antenna interfaces
- Physical Specifications: 110×83×46mm, DIN35 rail/wall mounting, net weight 133g (approx.)
- X-Series IO Boards: X1 (4 RS485), X4 (2 RS485 + 2 CAN), X8 (1 RS485 + 1 RS232 + 1 CAN + 2 GPIO), etc.
- Y-Series IO Boards: Y01 (4DI+4DO NPN), Y31 (4AI 0/4~20mA), Y51 (2 RTD PT100), Y63 (4 RS485/RS232), etc.
- Wireless Modules: 4G (supports multiple frequency bands globally), 5G, WiFi (802.11a/b/g/n, 2.4G/5G dual bands)
- Smart Factories: Connect PLCs, sensors, and production line equipment for data collection, remote monitoring, and automated linkage control.
- Smart Energy: Integrate power meters, photovoltaic inverters, and energy storage devices to realize energy consumption monitoring and optimized scheduling.
- Smart Cities: Link traffic signals, environmental sensors, and street light controllers to support urban infrastructure intelligent management.
- Smart Transportation: Collect data from vehicle-mounted devices, road monitoring sensors, and toll systems for real-time scheduling and fault early warning.
- Low-Code Efficiency: Node-RED visual programming reduces development cycles by 60%+, lowering the threshold for industrial IoT transformation.
- Multi-Protocol Compatibility: Supports mainstream PLC protocols and industrial communication standards, solving heterogeneous device interconnection problems.
- Flexible Expansion: Customizable hardware configurations adapt to small-scale workshops and large-scale industrial parks alike.
- Industrial-Grade Reliability: Wide temperature range, anti-interference design, and watchdog protection ensure long-term stable operation in harsh environments.
- Cost-Effective Deployment: Integrated hardware-software design, batch deployment support, and low maintenance costs reduce overall project TCO.
With the
BL118 Node-RED edge computing gateway, industrial IoT systems can achieve:
- Seamless interconnection of multi-brand, multi-protocol devices
- Rapid iteration of personalized business logic via low-code development
- Efficient remote O&M and reduced on-site labor costs
- Stable and reliable operation in extreme industrial environments
BL118 + Industrial IoT is not just an upgrade of connection tools, but a revolution in industrial digitalization efficiency—making complex IIoT projects simpler, more reliable, and more cost-effective.
