NORVI Controllers was created to address the lack of connectivity in industrial electronics, offering reliable hardware with modern connectivity features that achieved success through flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Their products serve as “Industrial Arduino” and “Industrial ESP32” solutions for harsh environments. 

NORVI Controllers is a Sri Lankan company that designs and manufactures industrial IoT devices and controllers. They specialize in ESP32 and STM32-based industrial controllers that bridge the gap between industrial automation and modern connectivity features. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Green Cliff 2, Midigama East, Weligama, with 10-20 employees.

Yes. NORVI Controllers are certified for industrial use and comply with CE standards, including EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing. These certifications ensure that our devices meet the safety, reliability, and performance requirements for operation in industrial environments.

Each product undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee compliance with industry regulations and to ensure stable performance in demanding conditions.

NORVI IIOT Series:

• ESP32-based controllers for IoT applications
• Built-in WiFi connectivity
• DIN-Rail mount applications with OLED displays
• Digital/analog inputs and relay/transistor outputs

NORVI Outdoor Nodes:

• IP67 rated weatherproof enclosures
• Solar and battery powered options
• LoRa/Zigbee/NB-IoT/GSM-LTE connectivity
• 12V DC power output for sensors

Expansion Modules:

• Analog input/output modules (0-10V, 4-20mA)
• Digital input/output expanders
• Relay output modules
• Communication interface modules 

The ESP32 includes built-in support for quadrature encoder decoding, making it suitable for applications such as motor position sensing and rotational feedback.

How It Works:

• The ESP32’s Pulse Counter (PCNT) peripheral allows efficient decoding of quadrature signals (A/B channels).
• It can count pulses and track direction, freeing up the CPU for other tasks.

Electrical Isolation:

When connecting industrial encoders, it’s important to:

• Use optical or digital isolators to protect the ESP32 from electrical noise and voltage spikes.
• Ensure the isolation circuit’s switching speed can handle the encoder’s pulse frequency without distortion or missed counts.

Using NORVI for Encoder Applications:

NORVI Controllers are designed for industrial use and support:

• Isolated digital inputs for direct connection of encoder signals
• Compatibility with NPN and PNP outputs
• Firmware examples using ESP32’s hardware pulse counter

This makes NORVI a reliable platform for motion control, speed monitoring, and industrial automation projects.

To read MODBUS RTU devices over RS-485 using an ESP32, you’ll need both proper hardware support and MODBUS-compatible firmware.

Hardware Requirements:

• An RS-485 transceiver (e.g., MAX485) or a controller with built-in RS-485 support.
• Correct bus wiring with optional termination resistors.
• For industrial use, NORVI Controllers feature integrated RS-485 ports, offering out-of-the-box support for MODBUS communication in harsh environments.

Software Implementation:

You can configure the ESP32 to act as either a MODBUS Master (to read/write to slave devices) or a MODBUS Slave (to be queried by a master controller).

NORVI provides step-by-step guides for both roles:

🔗 Using NORVI (ESP32) as a MODBUS Master

🔗 Using NORVI (ESP32) as a MODBUS Slave

These guides walk you through:

• Wiring and hardware setup
• Library installation
• Code examples for reading/writing MODBUS registers
• Serial configuration for RS-485

Why Choose NORVI?

• Built-in RS-485 with surge protection
• Supports both MODBUS RTU Master and Slave modes
• DIN-rail mountable, industrial-grade enclosures
• Ideal for integrating with sensors, PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems

The ESP32’s analog-to-digital converter (ADC) operates at a much lower input voltage (typically 0–3.3 V), so directly connecting a 0–10 V industrial signal can damage the microcontroller. To safely interface these signals, you must scale them down using a voltage divider circuit or a signal conditioning module.

Alternatively, NORVI Controllers provide a more robust and industrial-ready solution. Our ESP32-based devices with 0–10 V analog input support offer:

• Built-in voltage scaling to match the ESP32’s ADC range
• Input protection against overvoltage and electrical noise
• High-resolution ADCs for accurate voltage measurement
• Compatibility with standard industrial transducers and signal outputs

With NORVI, you can safely and reliably read 0–10 V signals from sensors such as pressure transmitters, temperature controllers, position sensors, and other industrial devices — without additional circuitry.

To interface industrial 4–20 mA current loop sensors with an ESP32, you need to convert the current signal into a measurable voltage range that the ESP32’s ADC can read. This is typically done by placing a precision load resistor (commonly 250 Ω or 100 Ω) across the current loop to produce a corresponding voltage (e.g., 4–20 mA → 1–5 V or 0.4–2 V).

However, using a raw ESP32 module for this requires careful protection and noise filtering.

At NORVI, our industrial ESP32-based controllers include built-in 4–20 mA analog input channels, specially designed for industrial sensor integration. These inputs provide:

• High-resolution ADCs for accurate readings
• Input protection against surges and transients
• Industrial-grade connectors for reliable wiring
• Compatibility with a wide range of analog process sensors

This allows you to directly connect pressure sensors, temperature transmitters, level sensors, and other industrial devices without additional signal conditioning.

• Digital Inputs: 24V optically isolated inputs
• Analog Inputs: 0-10V DC and 4-20mA with 16-bit ADC resolution
• Digital Outputs: Relay outputs (5A @ 30VDC/250VAC), Transistor outputs (12V, 24V loads)
• Analog Outputs: 0-10V and 4-20mA with 12-bit resolution

• Wired: Ethernet, RS-485, I2C, SPI, CAN, UART, RS-232
• Wireless: WiFi (ESP32), Bluetooth, LoRa, Zigbee, NB-IoT, GSM-LTE

• ESP32-WROOM32: Primary processor for IoT applications
• ESP32-S3-WROOM32: For advanced applications requiring more processing power
• STM32L Series: For ultra-low power battery applications
• Arduino Mega compatible (AtMega) : Some models support Arduino Mega form factor
• NRF52 Series: BLE
• ESP32 Series

To safely interface 24V industrial sensors with the ESP32, it is recommended to use opto-isolators (optocouplers) to protect the microcontroller from voltage spikes and electrical noise. Additionally, current-limiting resistors should be included to prevent overcurrent damage.

At NORVI, our ESP32-based industrial controllers are designed to directly support 24V digital signals, eliminating the need for additional protection circuitry in most cases. NORVI devices feature:

• Built-in isolation for enhanced protection
• Flexible digital input polarity – compatible with both PNP (positive) and NPN (negative) sensor outputs
• Compatibility with standard industrial automation sensors and PLCs

This makes NORVI Controllers an ideal solution for integrating ESP32 with industrial-grade sensors and equipment.

• MicroSD card support for data logging
• I2C expansion modules for additional I/O
• Address-configurable expansion modules
• Custom input/output configurations available 

No, NORVI controllers are designed to work like standard Arduino boards with no additional drivers required for programming. 

• Arduino IDE (primary development environment) 
• ESP IDF

• Industrial Automation & Control
• Embedded & IoT Product Developers 
• Manufacturers & Industrial Designers
• AgriTech, Energy, Sustainability
• Compliance & Security Integrators
• Smart Buildings & Hospitality
• OEM/Device Manufacturers

• IoT Data Collection: Sensor data gathering with cloud connectivity
• Remote Monitoring: Equipment status monitoring via GSM/WiFi
• Process Control: Automated control systems with HMI interfaces
• Environmental Sensing: Weather stations and environmental monitoring
• Asset Tracking: Location and condition monitoring for equipment 

• Grid-powered applications (standard AC/DC input)
• Solar-powered with built-in charge controllers
• Battery-powered for remote applications
• USB-C power and programming (select models)
• Built-in backup batteries for RTC functionality 

• Indoor Models: Standard industrial enclosures
• Outdoor Models: IP67 rated weatherproof enclosures
• Temperature Range: Industrial temperature specifications
• Harsh Environment Design: Built for construction and industrial environments 

Yes, NORVI offers custom controller design services including: 

• Modified input/output types and quantities
• Custom communication standards
• Application-specific enclosures
• Custom Industrial Arduino or ESP32 configurations 

NORVI Controllers was founded in 2014 and has been developing controllers for harsh environments for years, with hundreds of successful retrofit installations completed. 

• Direct from NORVI website (norvi.lk)
• Tindie marketplace
• Through authorized distributors
• Custom orders through direct contact 

• GitHub repositories with example code
• Documentation for each product line 

• MicroSD card storage
• CSV data logging
• Real-time clock (DS3231 RTC) for timestamping
• Cloud data transmission via WiFi/GSM 

• Optically isolated inputs for electrical protection
• Industrial-grade components rated for harsh environments
• Reverse polarity protection
• Overcurrent protection on outputs
• ESD protection on communication interfaces 

Yes, through multiple integration methods: 

• Modbus RTU/TCP for SCADA systems
• Standard industrial I/O signals (4-20mA, 0-10V)
• Ethernet connectivity for network integration
• RS-485 for industrial communication networks 

• Temperature sensors
• Pressure transducers (4-20mA)
• Voltage sensors (0-10V)
• Digital switches and contacts
• Load cells and strain gauges
• Any device with standard industrial outputs 

The timeline for IoT product development typically ranges from 3 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the solution. Early stages such as requirement analysis, prototyping, and MVP development usually take 8–12 weeks, while certification and mass production may extend the schedule.

At NORVI Controllers, our extensive R&D capabilities and in-house expertise allow us to deliver prototypes and MVPs in less than 4 weeks. By following an agile development approach, we help clients accelerate time-to-market while maintaining industrial-grade quality and compliance.

An MVP is the fastest way to validate your idea. We help you design, prototype, and test a simplified version of your IoT product with essential features only. This reduces costs and allows you to gather real-world feedback before scaling to a full solution. With our in-house R&D and manufacturing, we can deliver MVPs in weeks, not months.

Bringing an IoT product to market doesn’t always require heavy upfront investment. You can reduce costs by:

• Starting with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product): Instead of building a full solution, validate your idea with a functional prototype first.
• Using off-the-shelf hardware platforms: ESP32-based controllers speed up development and lower engineering costs.
• Choosing low-volume manufacturing runs: At NORVI Controllers, we accept orders starting from as low as 10 units without additional engineering fees. We can even deliver a sample batch of 2–3 units for initial testing and validation.
• Reducing enclosure costs: Instead of expensive injection molding, our in-house milling, machining, and printing facilities enable you to create a unique and professional product at a fraction of the cost.
• Leveraging white-label solutions: Many NORVI products are available for white-labelling, helping you enter the market quickly under your own brand.

With our end-to-end development and manufacturing expertise, NORVI helps you minimize upfront costs while ensuring your product is scalable for future growth.

Industrial IoT products require rugged design, long lifecycle support, wide operating temperature ranges, and compliance with industrial standards (e.g., Modbus, RS-485, CAN bus). Consumer IoT products, on the other hand, focus on cost, aesthetics, and ease of use. We specialize in both, offering customized solutions that fit the exact application environment.

Our IoT product development process includes:

1. Concept & Feasibility Study
2. Hardware & Software Design
3. Prototyping & Testing
4. Certifications & Compliance
5. Pilot Production
6. Mass Manufacturing & Market Launch

This structured approach ensures a faster time-to-market with fewer risks.

We follow international standards such as CE, FCC, RoHS, and ISO from the design stage. Our engineers run pre-compliance testing for EMC/EMI, safety, and wireless performance before sending products to accredited labs. This ensures smooth certification approval and helps you avoid costly redesigns later.

Yes. We provide end-to-end IoT development, including:

• Electronics design & embedded firmware
• Mobile app & cloud platform integration
• Edge computing & AI models

This full-stack capability means you get a single partner for the entire product lifecycle, from PCB design to cloud dashboards.

Prototyping allows you to validate design, test features, and identify potential issues early. By creating rapid prototypes, we help clients avoid expensive mistakes and make informed decisions. Our in-house prototyping and testing labs ensure you get functional models quickly, reducing time-to-market

Yes, we provide both:

• White-label solutions for companies looking to rebrand proven IoT hardware.
• Custom product development for startups, enterprises, and OEMs needing tailor-made designs.

With our flexible manufacturing and global component sourcing, we deliver scalable IoT solutions that fit your brand and market needs.

Costs depend on complexity, certifications, hardware choice, and production volume. A simple MVP may start from close to around a thousand dollars, while a full-scale industrial IoT product can run higher due to ruggedization and compliance testing. We work with clients to optimize budgets and provide transparent cost breakdowns before development begins.

NORVI Controllers are designed for industrial-grade reliability. With proper installation and environmental conditions, they typically operate for 7–10 years or longer, ensuring a stable long-term deployment for automation and IoT applications.

There is no strict replacement limit based on hours. Lifespan depends more on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and power quality. With proper maintenance, devices can continue to run without predefined replacement schedules.

We introduce hardware refreshes every 2–3 years. These updates add new capabilities while keeping the platform stable and familiar for developers.

NORVI follows a strong long-term support policy. Each product has a minimum lifecycle commitment of 10 years from its release date, ensuring customers can rely on stable availability for industrial and IoT deployments.

When a model approaches End of Life (EOL), NORVI provides at least 18 months of advance notice. This gives customers sufficient time to plan and migrate to newer models without disruptions. Our priority is business continuity and smooth transitions, while maintaining backward compatibility wherever possible.

The Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) was launched in October 2020. Raspberry Pi Ltd. has committed to supporting it until January 2031, and NORVI aligns its support timeline accordingly.

Yes. We prioritize pin-to-pin and software compatibility across product generations. In most cases, applications developed for older models can run on new models with minimal or no changes.

With the right engineering practices and system design, open-source controllers such as Arduino, ESP32, or Linux-based platforms can achieve the same safety standards as traditional PLCs. While traditional PLCs often come with built-in, certified safety modules, the same level of safety can be implemented using:

• Certified safety relays and hardware interlocks for functions like emergency stop (E-stop).
• Redundant circuit design and separation of safety logic from general control logic.
• Compliance with international standards such as ISO 13849 and IEC 62061.
• Thorough risk assessment, validation, and testing during system integration.

By following these best practices, engineering teams can confidently design robust, safe, and reliable automation systems with open-source platforms, while also benefiting from their flexibility and scalability.

Yes. NORVI offers entry-level ESP32-based controllers that provide the same software environment as our high-end models. These barebone options are ideal for simpler machines where cost optimization is key.

Check NORVI IIOT Series, ENET and GSM Series for more details.

Absolutely. NORVI ensures scalable hardware with cross-compatibility, meaning your software applications can run on both basic barebone models and advanced RPi/ESP32-S3 controllers without major modifications.