With the rapid development of industrial digitalization and Industry 4.0, traditional PLC + HMI architectures are increasingly challenged by high costs, closed ecosystems, and limited flexibility.
A new generation of ARM-based edge controllers combined with open-source software is emerging as a powerful alternative.
The ARM Edge Controller + OpenPLC + FUXA architecture provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and fully open solution that integrates real-time control, visualization, and data connectivity into a single industrial platform.
Conventional automation systems usually consist of:
A proprietary PLC for control
A dedicated HMI or SCADA system for visualization
Additional gateways for data upload or protocol conversion
This approach often leads to:
High hardware and license costs
Vendor lock-in
Limited IT/OT integration
Difficult remote maintenance
By contrast, an ARM edge controller running Linux can host both the control logic and the visualization layer, enabling a much more flexible and scalable automation architecture.
In this solution, the ARM Edge Controller acts as the central control and edge computing node.
OpenPLC runs as the PLC runtime, executing IEC 61131-3 control programs.
FUXA runs as a Web-based SCADA/HMI, providing real-time visualization through any browser.
Field devices communicate directly with the controller via standard industrial protocols.
Sensors and actuators connect to the ARM controller via RS485, CAN, Ethernet, or DI/DO
OpenPLC executes control logic and manages process variables
OpenPLC exposes data through Modbus TCP
FUXA reads the data and displays dashboards, trends, and alarms
Optional data is forwarded to cloud or MES systems via MQTT or OPC UA
OpenPLC is an open-source PLC runtime designed for industrial and educational use.
Key features:
Supports IEC 61131-3 languages
Ladder Diagram (LD)
Function Block Diagram (FBD)
Structured Text (ST)
Runs natively on ARM Linux platforms
Supports Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP
Easy integration with industrial I/O and gateways
When deployed on an ARM Edge Controller, OpenPLC replaces traditional small and medium PLCs while offering greater flexibility and openness.
FUXA is a lightweight, open-source Web SCADA solution designed for modern industrial environments.
Key advantages:
Browser-based HMI (no dedicated client software)
Real-time dashboards and graphical interfaces
Alarm management and historical trends
Supports multiple protocols:
Modbus TCP
OPC UA
MQTT
By connecting directly to OpenPLC via Modbus TCP, FUXA provides a clean and efficient visualization layer for edge automation systems.
ARM Edge Controllers are becoming the preferred hardware platform for modern automation:
Low power consumption and fanless design
High integration of industrial interfaces
Linux ecosystem with rich open-source tools
Long lifecycle and industrial reliability
With multi-core ARM processors such as Cortex-A53, Cortex-A72, or Cortex-A76, a single device can simultaneously handle control, visualization, protocol conversion, and edge analytics.
No license fees
No vendor lock-in
Easy customization
One ARM controller replaces PLC + HMI + gateway
Ideal for small and medium automation projects
Control, visualization, and data services on one platform
Easy integration with cloud and enterprise systems
Web-based HMI
Suitable for distributed and unmanned sites
Building Automation Systems (BAS)
Energy Management Systems (EMS)
Water and wastewater treatment
Pump stations and HVAC systems
Educational and training platforms
Industrial IoT edge gateways
The ARM Edge Controller + OpenPLC + FUXA solution represents a new generation of industrial automation architecture.
By combining open-source PLC control, Web-based SCADA, and ARM edge computing, it delivers a flexible, scalable, and future-proof platform for modern industrial applications.
This approach not only reduces system cost, but also enables faster deployment, easier integration, and greater freedom for system integrators and solution providers.
