Comparison of Unipi Patron and Neuron product lines

Unipi offers two modular product lines for automation and control: Patron and Neuron. Both are designed for industrial and commercial applications, including building automation, monitoring systems, SCADA, remote control, and smart home installations.

The key hardware and software features of both lines are summarized in the comparison table below.

While the two lines share many similarities in terms of available I/O configurations (S, M, L models), supported communication protocols, and software (Linux, Mervis, EVOK), there are several critical differences that may influence your selection.

Key Differences

1. CPU and Memory

• The Patron series is based on the NXP i.MX 8M Mini quad-core processor at up to 1.8GHz, with 1GB RAM.
• The Neuron line uses a Raspberry Pi 3 or 4 as its compute module, offering up to 8GB of RAM (RPi 4).

2. Storage

• Patron models include a reliable 8GB eMMC onboard.
• Neuron models rely on a microSD card for storage, though some variants also offer eMMC.

3. Connectivity

• Neuron (with RPi 4) supports faster Ethernet (up to 1Gbps) and USB 3.0 ports.
• Patron uses a 100Mbps Ethernet port and USB 2.0, but offers consistent industrial-grade stability.

4. Warranty

• Patron units come with a 3-year warranty, compared to 2 years for Neuron, making Patron better suited for long-term industrial deployments.

5. Special Versions

• Both lines have LTE/GSM-capable variants for remote connectivity & custom modifications are available on request for both.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Unipi Patron if you need:

• Long-term stability and industrial reliability
• Built-in eMMC storage
• Longer warranty period
• Consistent performance in critical applications

Choose Unipi Neuron if you want:

• High RAM capacity (up to 8GB)
• Raspberry Pi-based flexibility
• Faster network and USB interfaces
• Cost-effective performance for non-critical environments
• Both product lines are powerful tools for automation, and your choice will ultimately depend on your application’s requirements in terms of performance, stability, and expandability

All available products from Unipi Technology on RobotShop can be found HERE.

Note: The number and type of inputs, outputs and communication interfaces available on Neuron and Patron controllers differ depending on the specific model - see the input/output table below.

Product line	Unipi Patron	Unipi Neuron
Computing module
Module type	NXP i.MX 8M Mini	Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
CPU	Quad-core NXP i.MX 8M Mini, max. 1.8 GHz	RPi 3: Quad-core, 1.4 GHz RPi 4: Quad-core, 1.5 GHz
RAM	1 GB	Raspberry Pi 3: 1 GB Raspberry Pi 4: Selectable capacity (2/4/8 GB)
Internal memory	Onboard 8GB eMMC memory	microSD memory card
Inputs and outputs
Digital inputs	Yes	Yes
Digital outputs	Yes	Yes
Relay outputs	Yes	Yes
Analog inputs	Yes	Yes
Analog outputs	Yes	Yes
Communication interfaces
RS485	Yes	Yes
RS232	Yes	No
1-Wire	Yes	Yes
Ethernet	100 Mbit	Raspberry Pi 3: 300 Mbps Raspberry Pi 4: 1 Gbit
USB	2× USB 2.0	Raspberry Pi 3: 4× USB 2.0 Raspberry Pi 4: 2× USB 2.0 + 2× USB 3.0
Software
Open-source	Yes, powered by Linux OS	Yes, powered by Linux OS
Mervis	Preinstalled, licence request included in the package	Licence request included in the package
API	EVOK, Modbus TCP, SysFS	EVOK, Modbus TCP, SysFS
Other features
Dimensions	Type S: 70×90×60 mm Type M: 140×90×60 mm Type L: 210×90×60 mm	Type S: 70×90×60 mm Type M: 140×90×60 mm Type L: 210×90×60 mm
DIN rail mount (35 mm)	Yes	Yes
Aluminium chassis (IP20)	Yes	Yes
Warranty duration	3 years	2 years
Special models	LTE module (S167, M267, M567)	GPRS/GSM module (S103-G)
Customization options	Yes	Yes
Recommended use	Automation projects, industrial automation, HVAC, control and monitoring, remote management, SCADA, sensorics, smart home...	Automation projects, HVAC, control, monitoring, remote management, SCADA, sensorics, smart home...