BL350 Series ARM Embedded Industrial Computer for Industrial Automation, Robotics, and Edge Computing

As industrial automation, smart manufacturing, and Industrial IoT (IIoT) systems continue to evolve, modern applications require industrial computers that combine high-performance computing, hard real-time control, flexible connectivity, and long-term reliability.

The BL350 Series ARM Embedded Industrial Computer is the latest addition to the ARMxy product family. Powered by the Texas Instruments Sitara AM62x processor platform, the BL350 integrates multi-core processing, EtherCAT master functionality, modular I/O expansion, and a Linux real-time operating environment into a compact industrial-grade controller.

Designed for demanding industrial applications, the BL350 Series is ideal for:

• Industrial automation systems

• PLC and motion control

• EtherCAT master controllers

• Industrial edge computing gateways

• Robotics and machine automation

• Energy Storage EMS/BMS systems

• EV charging infrastructure

• Smart manufacturing equipment

• Medical and laboratory instruments

High-Performance TI Sitara AM62x Architecture

The BL350 Series is built on the TI Sitara AM62x processor family, featuring:

• Single-core, dual-core, or quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processors running up to 1.4 GHz

• Dedicated Cortex-M4F real-time core running up to 400 MHz

• Integrated PRU-ICSS real-time processing subsystem

• Advanced 16nm manufacturing process

• Low power consumption with industrial-grade stability

• Integrated 3D graphics acceleration

This heterogeneous architecture enables the system to separate application-level processing from time-critical control tasks, improving both performance and reliability.

Key Features of the BL350 Series

Heterogeneous Multi-Core Processing for Real-Time Industrial Applications

The Cortex-A53 cores run Linux-based applications, HMI software, cloud connectivity services, databases, and data analytics workloads.

Meanwhile, the dedicated Cortex-M4F core and PRU-ICSS subsystem handle deterministic real-time tasks such as:

• EtherCAT communication

• Motion control

• High-speed data acquisition

• Digital I/O processing

• Industrial protocol handling

This architecture ensures critical control functions remain isolated from non-real-time application processes.

Integrated EtherCAT Master for Motion Control Systems

The BL350 Series combines:

• Linux RT 5.10.168

• Open-source IGH EtherCAT Master

• TI PRU-ICSS real-time subsystem

Together, these technologies enable:

• EtherCAT cycle times typically ≤100 μs

• Nanosecond-level Distributed Clock (DC) synchronization

• Multi-axis servo synchronization

• Large-scale distributed I/O control

The platform can support dozens of servo drives and thousands of I/O points, making it suitable for:

• Industrial robots

• Delta robots

• CNC machines

• Packaging machinery

• Semiconductor equipment

• Automated production lines

Flexible Modular I/O Expansion

The BL350 Series supports:

• 1 × X-Series I/O expansion slot

• 2 × Y-Series I/O expansion slots

Users can customize hardware configurations according to project requirements.

X-Series Modules

Available functions include:

• RS485

• RS232

• CAN Bus

• DI

• DO

• GPIO

Y-Series Modules

Advanced industrial signal interfaces include:

• Analog Input (0–20mA, 4–20mA, 0–10V, ±10V)

• Analog Output

• RTD Temperature Inputs

• Thermocouple Inputs

• IEPE Vibration Inputs

• PWM Outputs

• Pulse Counters

Typical Module Selection

Industrial-Grade Reliability for Harsh Environments

The BL350 Series is designed for long-term deployment in industrial environments.

Wide Operating Temperature

-40°C to +85°C operating temperature range ensures reliable operation in both extreme cold and high-temperature environments.

EMC Protection

Complies with:

• IEC 61000-4-2 (ESD)

• IEC 61000-4-4 (EFT)

• IEC 61000-4-5 (Surge)

Level 3 industrial immunity standards help maintain stable operation in electrically noisy environments.

Mechanical Durability

Certified according to GB/T 2423 standards for:

• Vibration resistance

• Mechanical shock resistance

• Free-fall testing

Typical Applications

Industrial Robot Controller

The BL350 functions as a centralized robot controller, combining EtherCAT motion control, real-time trajectory planning, and distributed I/O management.

Typical applications include:

• 6-axis articulated robots

• SCARA robots

• Gantry systems

• Welding robots

• Automated assembly equipment

High-Speed Delta Robot Systems

For pick-and-place applications requiring hundreds of cycles per minute, the BL350 provides deterministic control and low-latency communication.

Benefits include:

• Sub-500 μs control cycles

• High-speed vision triggering

• Real-time trajectory execution

• Multi-servo synchronization

Collaborative Robots and Functional Safety Systems

By leveraging EtherCAT FSoE (Fail Safe over EtherCAT), the BL350 can be integrated into distributed safety architectures for collaborative robot applications.

Potential functions include:

• Torque monitoring

• Collision detection

• Safe motion control

• Human-machine collaboration systems

Energy Storage EMS and BMS

The BL350 is well suited for:

• Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Energy Storage Systems

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

• Microgrid Controllers

• Renewable Energy Monitoring

Supported communication protocols include:

• Modbus RTU/TCP

• MQTT

• OPC UA

• IEC 104

• BACnet

The controller can perform:

• Data acquisition

• Energy optimization

• Remote monitoring

• Cloud connectivity

• Battery management integration

Open Software Ecosystem

The BL350 Series provides a complete software development environment for industrial applications.

Operating Systems

Supported platforms include:

• Linux 5.10.168

• Linux RT 5.10.168

• Yocto 3.1 (Dunfell)

• Debian 12

Development Frameworks

Developers can build applications using:

• Qt 5.14.2

• Docker

• Node-RED

• Python

• C/C++

• C#

Industrial Protocol and Cloud Connectivity

Pre-installed BLIoTLink software supports protocol conversion and data integration for:

• PLCs

• SCADA systems

• Industrial devices

• Cloud platforms

Compatible with:

• AWS IoT Core

• ThingsBoard

• Ignition SCADA

• Alibaba Cloud IoT

• Huawei Cloud IoT

Remote Maintenance

The BLRAT remote access platform provides:

• Secure remote diagnostics

• Remote firmware upgrades

• Device monitoring

• Predictive maintenance support

Flexible Configuration Options

The BL350 Series supports multiple hardware configurations, including:

Ethernet Ports

• 1-port

• 2-port

• 3-port

Processor Options

• AM62x Single-Core

• AM62x Dual-Core

• AM62x Quad-Core

Memory Options

• 512MB DDR4

• 1GB DDR4

• 2GB DDR4

Storage Options

• 4GB eMMC

• 8GB eMMC

Wireless Connectivity

• 4G LTE

• Wi-Fi

Example:

BL350-SOM351-X10

Configuration:

• 1 Ethernet Port

• SOM351 Module

• AM6232 Dual-Core Cortex-A53

• 8GB eMMC

• 1GB DDR4

• X10 Expansion Board

• 2 × RS485 Ports

Wireless versions:

• BL350L-SOM351-X10 (4G LTE)

• BL350W-SOM351-X10 (Wi-Fi)

Conclusion

The BL350 Series ARM Embedded Industrial Computer combines high-performance processing, EtherCAT master control, Linux real-time capabilities, modular I/O expansion, and industrial-grade reliability into a single platform.

Whether deployed as an industrial automation controller, EtherCAT master, robot controller, edge computing gateway, or energy storage EMS controller, the BL350 provides the flexibility and performance required for next-generation industrial systems.

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and find the optimal BL350 configuration for your industrial application.