Industrial ESP32 PLC Controllers
ESP32 PLC | Industrial ESP32 PLC Controllers for Automation
An ESP32 PLC pairs the ESP32 or ESP32-S3 chip with industrial-rated I/O, DIN-rail housing, and certified electrical protection. You get PLC-style automation with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or 4G LTE built in, and you program it in Arduino IDE instead of paying for a proprietary ladder-logic license.
An ESP32 PLC is a programmable controller built on Espressif's ESP32 or ESP32-S3 chip and wired with industrial digital, analog, relay, or transistor I/O on a DIN-rail enclosure. It replaces a traditional PLC in small-to-medium automation and adds built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or 4G LTE that most traditional PLCs need extra hardware to get.
Definition
What Is an ESP32 PLC?
A traditional PLC (programmable logic controller) reads field inputs like switches, sensors, and relays, runs a control program, and drives outputs to motors, valves, and indicators, all inside an industrial-rated enclosure. An ESP32 PLC does the same job. The difference is that the control program runs on an ESP32 or ESP32-S3 chip instead of a proprietary CPU.
NORVI builds its ESP32 PLC controllers around the ESP32-WROOM32 and ESP32-S3-WROOM modules. These are wired to optically isolated digital inputs, relay or transistor outputs, and 0 to 10V or 4 to 20mA analog channels, all behind screw-terminal blocks on a standard 35mm DIN rail. So you wire it like a PLC and program it like a development board, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built into every unit, plus Ethernet, RS-485 Modbus, or 4G LTE depending on the series you pick.
Same job, different core
- Digital, analog, relay and transistor I/O wired for 24V industrial field devices
- DIN-rail mounted, screw-terminal enclosures rated for panel installation
- Built-in wireless and/or wired networking on every controller, standard
- Programmed in Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, or MicroPython, with no paid ladder-logic license required
- Modbus RTU/TCP support for integration into existing SCADA and HMI systems
Fit Assessment
When an ESP32 PLC Replaces a Traditional PLC
An ESP32 PLC will not fit every application, and that is fine. It is the right call when connectivity, cost, and development speed matter more to you than certified motion control or a vendor-backed safety rating.
Choose an ESP32 PLC when you need
- Remote monitoring or SCADA data collection over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular
- Small-to-medium machine or process control: pumps, conveyors, HVAC, lighting
- Fast iteration using Arduino libraries instead of a locked engineering environment
- A lower per-unit hardware cost across an OEM product run
- Cloud-native data logging (MQTT, HTTP) without a separate IoT gateway
Stay with Siemens / Allen-Bradley class hardware when you need
- Certified IEC 61131-3 ladder, SCL, or FBD logic with vendor safety approvals
- Integrated motion control, servo synchronization, or safety-rated I/O (SIL/PL)
- A large, standardized fleet already built on TIA Portal or Studio 5000
- Guaranteed deterministic scan times for high-speed motion applications
Product Lineup
The Full NORVI ESP32 PLC Lineup, by I/O
Seven controller series cover fixed-I/O panel automation through a fully modular platform. All series share the ESP32 or ESP32-S3 core, CE/EMC testing, and Arduino/ESP-IDF/MicroPython programming.
| Series | Processor | I/O Highlights | Connectivity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NORVI IIOT | ESP32 dual-core @ 240MHz, 4MB Flash / 520KB SRAM | 6–8 Digital In (24V) · up to 8 Relay/Transistor Out · up to 6 Analog In (0–10V or 4–20mA) | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi + Bluetooth, RS-485 | Building automation, conveyor and pump control, mixed digital I/O panels |
| NORVI ENET | ESP32-WROOM32 dual-core, 4MB Flash / 520KB SRAM | 8 Digital In (18–32V) · 4 Relay (5A) / Transistor / 0–10V / 4–20mA Analog Out | W5500 wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wired plant networks, Modbus TCP/SCADA integration, data logging with RTC |
| NORVI GSM | ESP32-WROOM32 + SIM800C or Quectel EC25 | Digital In · Relay / 0–10V / 4–20mA Out · OLED display · microSD logging | 2G/4G cellular, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Remote sites with no local network, such as pumping stations, tanks, and unmanned assets |
| NORVI ESP32 HMI | ESP32-S3-WROOM dual-core | Digital In · Transistor Out · 0–10V / 4–20mA Analog · 5″ LCD touchscreen | Ethernet, RS-485, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Combined PLC + operator panel in one DIN-mount enclosure |
| NORVI X | ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R2 dual-core @ 160MHz, 16MB Flash / 520KB SRAM | Modular, scaling to 200 I/O points via 14+ hot-swap I²C expansion modules (digital, analog, relay, transistor, RTD) | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet RJ45, RS-485 Modbus, optional 2G/4G/high-speed 4G LTE | Machine builders and integrators standardizing on one scalable platform |
| Agent One | ESP32-WROVER32 | Digital In · 0–10V / 4–20mA Analog · Transistor Out · RGB status LED | LoRa, NB-IoT, Wi-Fi | Long-range sensor nodes and IoT gateways in the field |
| Expansion Modules | MCP23008 / MCP23017 / ADS1115 I²C peripherals | 16-bit Analog In (0–10V / 4–20mA) · Analog Out · Isolated Digital In · Transistor Out · 5A Relay Out | I²C to host controller | Scaling I/O on any NORVI IIOT, ENET, GSM, or X controller |
Full electrical ratings, dimensions, and per-model part numbers are listed on each product's datasheet. See the model tables below for links.
NORVI IIOT Series
NORVI IIOT: Fixed I/O with Wi-Fi and RS-485
Seven models built on a common ESP32 dual-core platform with a 0.96″ OLED display, RTC, and Arduino/ESP-IDF/MicroPython support. Operating range −40°C to +85°C, CE / RoHS / FCC certified.
8 DI · 6 Relay (5A) · 2 Transistor
Pump control panels, small–medium industrial automation with mixed relay/transistor loads.
8 DI · 8 Transistor Out
Low-power actuator control, alarms and indicator lamps with Modbus RS-485.
8 DI · 6 Analog In (0–10V) · 2 Transistor
HVAC and lighting control, pump/valve modulation, mixed analog-digital panels.
8 DI · 6 Analog In (4–20mA) · 2 Transistor
Water/wastewater and flow/level control using 4–20mA industrial sensors.
6 DI · 6 Analog In (0–10V) · 2 Transistor
Time-stamped data logging for small industrial processes and energy systems.
6 DI · 6 Analog In (4–20mA) · 2 Transistor
Chemical dosing and process control with time-stamped 4–20mA logging.
8 DI · 1 Analog In (0–10V)
Simple monitoring and single-analog-input applications for light industrial or lab use.
NORVI ENET Series
NORVI ENET: Wired Ethernet via W5500
ESP32-WROOM32 with a W5500 Ethernet controller, 0.96″ OLED, DS3231 RTC with battery backup, and microSD logging. Certified to EN 61131-2:2007, EN 61010-1:2010+A1:2019 and the EU EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.
8 DI · 4 Relay Out (5A)
Manufacturing process control and building management with wired Modbus TCP.
8 DI · 4 Transistor Out
Access control and low-power actuator switching over a wired plant LAN.
8 DI · 4 Analog In (0–10V)
Energy management and HVAC monitoring using 16-bit ADS1115 analog inputs.
8 DI · 4 Analog In (4–20mA)
Water treatment and industrial flow/pressure monitoring on current-loop sensors.
Full electrical specification: 8 isolated digital inputs (18–32V DC, 1kHz), 4 analog channels via ADS1115 16-bit ADC (0–10V, 38V DC withstand), IP20 enclosure, ESD protection 4kV contact / 8kV air. Full NORVI ENET specifications →
Modular Platform
NORVI X: The Scalable ESP32 PLC Board
One ESP32-S3 CPU module plus hot-swappable I²C expansion modules let you scale from a single relay output to 200 I/O points without rewiring the panel. It is IEC 61131-2 compliant, EN 61010-1 certified, and mounts on a standard DIN rail.
NORVI X1
Wi-Fi · Ethernet · Bluetooth 5.0
- ESP32-S3-WROOM-1U-N16R2 dual-core
- Ethernet RJ45 + RS-485 Modbus built-in
- TFT SPI touchscreen, DS3231 RTC
- Scales to 200 I/O points
NORVI X2
Wi-Fi · Ethernet · 2G / 4G LTE
- Adds SIMCOM A7672 2G/4G IoT modem
- Ethernet RJ45 + RS-485 built-in
- TFT touchscreen, DS3231 RTC
- Scales to 200 I/O points
NORVI X3
Wi-Fi · Ethernet · High-speed 4G
- Quectel EC25 high-speed 4G LTE modem
- Ethernet RJ45 + RS-485 built-in
- TFT touchscreen, DS3231 RTC
- Scales to 200 I/O points
14+ Hot-Swap Expansion Modules
| Module | Channels | Function | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORVI X-DI4 | 4 | Fast optically isolated digital input for pulse counting and encoders | $29.00 |
| NORVI X-DI8 | 8 | Optically isolated digital input for switches and push-buttons | $30.97 |
| NORVI X-DI16 | 16 | High-density digital input for large-scale machine monitoring | $34.00 |
| NORVI X-R4 / X-R8 | 4 / 8 | Relay output for AC/DC loads, such as motor starters and contactors | $28.00 / $34.00 |
| NORVI X-Q4 / X-Q8 / X-Q16 | 4 / 8 / 16 | NPN transistor output for solenoids, steppers, and PLC-compatible loops | $23.00 to $46.00 |
| NORVI X-AV4 | 4 | 0–10V analog input for sensors and transducers | $28.00 |
| NORVI X-AI4 | 4 | 4–20mA current-loop input for pressure/flow/temperature transmitters | $33.00 |
| NORVI X-AQ4 | 4 | Dual-mode 0–10V / 4–20mA analog output for VFDs and proportional valves | $80.00 |
| NORVI X-RTD4 | 4 | Pt100/Pt1000 RTD input for precision temperature measurement | $38.00 |
| NORVI X-UART-IO | RS-485 ×2, RS-232 ×2, UART ×4 | Legacy serial device integration board | $29.00 |
Development
Programming Options for a NORVI ESP32 PLC
Every NORVI controller is programmed with open, free tooling instead of a licensed engineering suite. Choose the environment that matches your team's background.
Arduino IDE
Read digital and analog GPIO with standard Arduino calls. NORVI publishes example sketches and a GitHub repository per controller so you can access every I/O channel without learning a new toolchain.
ESP-IDF
Espressif's native SDK for teams that need RTOS-level control, custom partitioning, or direct access to peripherals beyond what the Arduino core exposes.
MicroPython
Supported across the IIOT, ENET, and NORVI X series for teams that prefer Python-based scripting for prototyping and light logic.
Compliance
Certifications & Standards
Every NORVI controller is manufactured in-house with stage-by-stage compliance testing before it ships.
Electrical & Environmental
- EN 61131-2:2007, for programmable controller equipment requirements
- EN 61010-1:2010+A1:2019, for safety of electrical measurement equipment
- EN IEC 61010-2-201:2018, for safety requirements for control equipment
- 2014/30/EU EMC Directive, Annex III Part B Module C
- ESD protection: 4kV contact / 8kV air discharge
Product Marks
All NORVI controllers are manufactured at NORVI's own Sri Lanka facility, with full production traceability and compliance testing at every assembly stage. We do not outsource to third-party contract manufacturers.
PLC Alternatives
ESP32 PLC vs. Entry-Level Siemens & Allen-Bradley PLCs
Where an ESP32 PLC fits against the entry-level controllers most machine builders compare it to. This is a general market comparison, not a claim about a specific competitor SKU.
| Factor | ESP32 PLC (e.g. NORVI) | Siemens S7-1200 class | Allen-Bradley entry class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical hardware cost | Roughly $100–$150 per fixed-I/O unit; modular NORVI X from $79 CPU + $23–$80 per module | Entry CPUs typically list in the $300–$500 range | Entry-tier CPUs are commonly priced higher than comparable Siemens hardware |
| Programming software | Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, and MicroPython, all free and open-source | TIA Portal, free to trial but licensed for production use | Studio 5000 or Connected Components Workbench, licensed for production use |
| Logic language | C/C++ or MicroPython; Modbus for ladder-system integration | IEC 61131-3 ladder, SCL, FBD, STL | IEC 61131-3 ladder logic |
| Native wireless | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth on every model; Ethernet, RS-485, and 4G LTE on select series | Ethernet/PROFINET on-board; wireless typically needs add-on hardware | EtherNet/IP on-board; wireless typically needs add-on hardware |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS, FCC, EN 61131-2, EN 61010-1 | Full IEC 61131-2 and regional safety certifications, vendor-backed | Full IEC 61131-2 and regional safety certifications, vendor-backed |
| Best suited to | OEM and IoT-connected automation, remote monitoring, budget-sensitive rollouts | Standardized plant fleets, PROFINET-based European lines | North American discrete manufacturing on EtherNet/IP |
Use Cases
Where NORVI ESP32 PLCs Are Deployed
Building Automation
HVAC control, lighting management, and access control integration on Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet.
Manufacturing
Machine monitoring, production line control, and quality tracking with relay and transistor outputs.
Water & Wastewater
Pump control, level monitoring, and chemical dosing using 4–20mA analog inputs.
Energy Management
Solar monitoring, load management, and power quality analysis via analog channels.
Agriculture
Greenhouse automation, irrigation control, and climate monitoring over Wi-Fi or LoRa.
Remote & Unmanned Sites
NORVI GSM and Agent One extend control to sites with no local network via cellular or LoRa.
When You Need a Battery Logger Instead of a PLC
Every controller on this page still needs a 24V DC supply to run. If your site has no power source at all, such as a remote reservoir, an agricultural field, or an unmanned tank, an ESP32 PLC is not the right tool. The NORVI EC-M12 is a separate, purpose-built battery-powered data logger (not an ESP32 PLC) with a 38,000mAh battery pack rated for 5+ years of unattended service over NB-IoT, LTE-M, or LoRaWAN.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ESP32 PLC?
An ESP32 PLC is a programmable controller built around the ESP32 or ESP32-S3 system-on-chip, wired with industrial-grade digital inputs, relay or transistor outputs, and analog channels, so it can be wired and deployed like a traditional PLC while adding native Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and often Ethernet or cellular connectivity.
Is an ESP32 PLC as reliable as a Siemens or Allen-Bradley PLC?
NORVI's ESP32 PLC controllers are tested to EN 61131-2, EN 61010-1, and CE/EMC directives, the same reference standards used to certify traditional industrial controllers. They are not IEC 61131-3 ladder-logic engines, so scan-time guarantees and vendor safety certifications differ from Siemens or Allen-Bradley hardware. That said, the electrical and environmental testing methods are comparable.
Can I program a NORVI ESP32 PLC with ladder logic?
NORVI controllers are programmed in Arduino IDE, ESP-IDF, or MicroPython rather than native ladder logic. Because every model supports Modbus RTU or Modbus TCP, they can be read and written as remote I/O from an existing ladder-based SCADA or HMI system.
What is the I/O range of the NORVI ESP32 PLC lineup?
The fixed-I/O series (NORVI IIOT, ENET, GSM) ship with 6 to 8 digital inputs plus 2 to 8 relay, transistor, or analog channels. The modular NORVI X platform scales from a single expansion module up to 200 I/O points using hot-swappable I²C modules.
Can I mix Wi-Fi and Ethernet on the same controller?
Yes. The NORVI ENET and NORVI X series support simultaneous Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet operation for redundant connectivity or separate network segments.
Where can I get datasheets and sample code?
Each product page links to a per-model datasheet, user guide, and GitHub repository with ready-to-use Arduino sketches. See the Downloads and Documentation sections.
Can an ESP32 actually replace a PLC?
For small-to-medium automation, remote monitoring, and IoT-connected control, yes. An ESP32 PLC handles digital and analog I/O, relay and transistor switching, and Modbus communication the same way a traditional PLC does. It is not a full replacement for applications that need certified motion control, safety-rated I/O, or vendor-guaranteed deterministic scan times.
How much does an ESP32 PLC cost?
NORVI's fixed-I/O ESP32 PLC controllers run roughly $100 to $150 per unit. The modular NORVI X platform starts at $79 for the CPU module, with expansion modules priced from $23 to $80 depending on channel count and type. That compares to entry-level Siemens or Allen-Bradley PLCs, which typically list in the $300 to $500-plus range before I/O expansion.
Is the ESP32 good enough for industrial automation?
Used inside a properly designed industrial enclosure, yes. On its own, a bare ESP32 dev board is not industrial-rated. NORVI's ESP32 PLC controllers add optically isolated I/O, DIN-rail housing, wide-temperature operation (down to -40°C on some series), and CE, RoHS, and EN 61131-2 testing on top of the chip to make it suitable for panel installation.
Which NORVI ESP32 PLC should a beginner start with?
The NORVI IIOT series is the simplest entry point: Wi-Fi and RS-485 built in, straightforward digital and analog I/O, and full Arduino IDE support with published example sketches. Move up to NORVI ENET or NORVI X once a project needs wired Ethernet, cellular connectivity, or I/O beyond what a fixed-I/O controller offers.
Resources
Downloads & Technical Resources
Documentation
Datasheets, user guides, and wiring references for every NORVI series.
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