What Is the NORVI X CPU Series? #
The NORVI X CPU series is the processing core of NORVI’s modular industrial controller platform. Every CPU module is DIN-rail mounted, built around the ESP32-S3, and pairs with a wide range of plug-in expansion modules (digital I/O, analog I/O, relays, transistor outputs, thermocouple/RTD inputs, and more) to scale from a small standalone device up to 200 I/O points.
There are three CPU variants – X1, X2 and X3. All three share the same core hardware and mechanical design. The single difference that defines them is how they connect to the outside world:
- X1 – Wi-Fi + Ethernet (wired/local network connectivity)
- X2 – Wi-Fi + Ethernet + 2G/4G Cellular via SIMCOM A7672X
- X3 – Wi-Fi + Ethernet + 4G Cellular via Quectel EC25
Choosing between them comes down to one question: how will this controller reach your network or the cloud at its install location?
Quick Comparison #
| Feature | X1 | X2 | X3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary connectivity | Wi-Fi + Ethernet | 2G/4G Cellular (SIMCOM A7672X) | 4G Cellular (Quectel EC25) |
| Cellular standard | – | LTE Cat 1 + 2G fallback | LTE Cat 4 / UMTS / GSM fallback |
| Best network fit | Site has LAN / Wi-Fi | Areas with patchy 4G, needs 2G fallback | Strong 4G coverage, needs location data |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RS-485 | Yes (SN65HVD72DGKR) | Yes (SN65HVD72DGKR) | Yes (SN65HVD72DGKR) |
| RTC | DS3231 | DS3231 | DS3231 |
| Display | 2.0″ TFT LCD, touch | 2.0″ TFT LCD, touch | 2.0″ TFT LCD, touch |
| MCU | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R2 | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R2 | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R2 |
| SIM slot required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Recurring data cost | None (uses site network) | SIM data plan required | SIM data plan required |
| Typical use case | Factories, warehouses with existing network | Remote/mobile assets, vending, fleet with mixed coverage | Remote sites needing high-speed data + location tracking |
Features Common to All Three Models #
Regardless of which variant you choose, every NORVI X CPU module gives you the same industrial-grade foundation:
| Spec | All three CPU modules (X1 / X2 / X3) |
| MCU | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R2 (16MB Flash, 512KB SRAM, 2MB PSRAM) |
| Display | 2.0″ TFT LCD (ST7789), 240 x 320, touch input |
| RS-485 | Built-in, half-duplex, automatic direction control |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi + Bluetooth (ESP32-S3 radio) |
| RTC | DS3231 (battery-backed real-time clock) |
| Storage | microSD card slot (SPI) |
| Mounting | DIN-rail |
| Power input | 24V DC, ~400mA |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Protection rating | IP20 |
| Certifications | EN 61131-2, EN 61010-1, EN IEC 61010-2-201, EMC 2014/30/EU |
| Expansion | Plug-in I/O modules – up to 200 I/O points across the range |
Model-by-Model Breakdown #
NORVI X-CPU-ESPS3-X1 – Wi-Fi & Ethernet #
The X1 is the right starting point for any installation where the controller sits within reach of an existing network: a factory floor with Ethernet drops, a warehouse with reliable Wi-Fi, or an office/building-automation environment. It connects over Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) or wired Ethernet, plus Bluetooth for local commissioning.
- No SIM card, no recurring data/airtime cost
- Simplest to commission – connect to your existing LAN or Wi-Fi
- Ideal for: factories, warehouses, plant rooms, and any site with existing network infrastructure
NORVI X-CPU-ESPS3-X2 – 2G/4G Cellular (SIMCOM A7672) #
The X2 adds a SIMCOM A7672X cellular modem on top of the same Wi-Fi/Ethernet/Bluetooth connectivity as the X1. The A7672X is an LTE Cat 1 modem with 2G (GSM/GPRS) fallback, giving it a practical advantage in regions where 4G coverage is inconsistent; the module can drop back to 2G rather than lose connectivity entirely.
- LTE Cat 1 with 2G fallback (GSM 900/1800MHz) – good resilience in mixed-coverage areas
- Supports TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, MQTT, FTP/FTPS – standard IoT protocols out of the box
- Ideal for: remote or mobile assets in regions with patchy or older cellular infrastructure, where fallback connectivity matters more than raw speed
NORVI X-CPU-ESPS3-X3 – 4G Cellular (Quectel EC25) #
The X3 uses a Quectel EC25 LTE Cat 4 modem, supporting LTE, UMTS/HSPA+, and GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks for reliable cellular connectivity and broad network coverage. It provides high-speed 4G LTE communication for industrial IoT applications.
- LTE Cat 4 – higher throughput than the X2’s Cat 1 link
- Supports DFOTA (remote firmware updates over the air)
- Ideal for: Remote monitoring, industrial IoT, and applications requiring reliable 4G connectivity and higher data throughput
Note: Both the X2 and X3 require an active SIM card and data plan from a local carrier. Confirm LTE band compatibility with your carrier for your country before ordering, since supported bands differ between the A7672X (X2) and EC25 (X3) modems.
How to Choose – Decision Guide #
Work through the table below. Match your deployment situation to the recommended model:
| If this describes your situation… | Recommended model |
|---|---|
| My site already has Wi-Fi or a LAN cable I can run to the controller | X1 |
| I need wireless connectivity but have no fixed network at the install site | X2 or X3 |
| My coverage area has weak or inconsistent 4G, and I need a 2G fallback for reliability | X2 (SIMCOM A7672X supports LTE Cat 1 + 2G fallback) |
| I need the fastest, most robust 4G data link and strong global band coverage | X3 (Quectel EC25, LTE Cat 4) |
| I want to avoid recurring SIM data costs entirely | X1 |
| I’m deploying on mobile or remote assets (vehicles, tanks, pumps, agriculture) | X2 or X3, depending on cellular coverage and data throughput requirements |
Still Need Both Wi-Fi and Cellular? #
All three CPU modules include Wi-Fi and Ethernet as standard – the X2 and X3 do not trade away that connectivity, they add cellular on top of it. This means an X2 or X3 unit can be commissioned over Wi-Fi initially and then rely on cellular in the field, or use cellular as a backup path if the primary network drops. If your deployment truly never needs cellular, the X1 is the simpler choice.
Resources #
Full datasheets, GPIO maps, and firmware/hardware files for each model:
NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X1 #
- Datasheet: NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X1 – Datasheet
- GitHub: NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X1 – GitHub
NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X2 #
- Datasheet: NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X2 – Datasheet
- GitHub: NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X2 – GitHub
NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X3 #
- Datasheet: NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X3 – Datasheet
- GitHub: NORVI X CPU ESPS3 X3 – GitHub
