Strato Pi Max
One module, infinite possibilities.
Packed with all the Industrial grade and built-in safety, security and fault-tolerance features that you expect from the Strato Pi line
A Raspberry Pi Controller that Shapes Itself to Your Vision
What if the perfect industrial hardware didn’t exist—until you designed it? The Strato Pi Max series takes this concept and turns it into reality. With a modular design, a hybrid CPU/MCU architecture, and extensive customization options, Strato Pi Max doesn’t just adapt to your needs—it evolves with them.
Modern businesses demand hardware that is not only powerful and reliable but also flexible enough to meet unique application needs. Whether you’re looking to automate a complex process, build smarter IoT solutions, or deploy specialized systems for niche applications, Strato Pi Max offers the power and flexibility to meet those demands, one innovation at a time.
Discover Strato Pi Max
Strato Pi Max comes in two sizes, offering flexibility to match different project scales and requirements
Strato Pi Max XS
A compact 6-modules DIN rail server with one expansion slot, supporting eMMC and SSD storage options, ideal for focused applications requiring minimal hardware additions. Strato Pi Max XS can be expanded by adding one X2-series expansion board
Strato Pi Max XL
A scalable 9-modules DIN rail controller with four expansion slots that builds on the XS’s storage capabilities by adding a dual SD architecture, making it perfect for applications needing enhanced data redundancy and versatility. Strato Pi Max XL can be expanded by adding up to four X2-series expansion boards
A Hybrid Architecture Built for Versatility
At the heart of the Strato Pi Max lies a hybrid architecture that combines the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 or 5 for high-level processing tasks with the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller for low-level, real-time operations. This pairing provides a robust platform for implementing both complex application logic and precise, real-time control systems—and yes, you have full access to both processing units to develop your custom logic.
For example:
- The Compute Module handles advanced data analytics, communication protocols, or machine learning models.
- The RP2040 MCU is ideal for tasks requiring high sample rates or real-time responsiveness, such as signal filtering or hardware-level control.
This dual-layer design ensures optimal performance by allowing each component to excel in its respective domain, giving you unparalleled flexibility to tailor the system to your needs.
The default firmware on the RP2040 efficiently manages all housekeeping tasks, serving as a watchdog for the Compute Module, handling power management, coordinating the mass storage boot options, and enabling seamless detection and control of expansion boards.
High reliability and security
Strato Pi Max boasts a range of advanced features for reliability and security.
The watchdog implemented in the RP2040 independently monitors the Compute Module. When triggered, it can perform a full power cycle and reboot the system from a recovery or fully redundant disk, switching between SSD, eMMC, and dual microSD.
The Compute Module has full control of the RP2040, enabling in-field firmware upgrades, as well as development and debugging without external hardware.
For thermal management, an internal fan provides active cooling with configurable, automatic activation based on load and internal temperature.
Cryptographic security is ensured by the Microchip ATECC608 secure element chip, while a highly accurate real-time clock with a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator and replaceable backup battery ensures precise timekeeping, independently from network servers.
Additionally, a 3-axis accelerometer supports motion and tamper detection for enhanced system protection.
Embedded Connectivity
Modular Design
Introducing the X2-Series expansion boards
What if the power of the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5 or 4, the multiple storage options, the dual Ethernet port and the many reliability and security features built in the Strato Pi Max are not enough?
The X2-Series expansion boards can be installed inside the Strato Pi Max enclosure, adding a huge range of features in a compact DIN rail device.
RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, CAN
These X2-Series expansion boards provide standard industrial wired communication support to connect and manage large fleets of devices with ease.
By combining multiple X2-Series expansion boards, the Strato Pi Max XL can support up to 16 RS-485 separate busses, 16 RS-422 point-to-point interfaces or 4 CAN V2.0B networks, all in a compact, 9 DIN Rail modules enclosure.
Digital I/O
Seven current-sinking 24 V IEC 61131-2 compliant industrial digital inputs with diagnostics and seven 640 mA, 24 V outputs that can be configured as high-side switches or push-pull drivers.
Inputs and outputs are galvanically isolated from the Strato Pi Max and the output lines have a dedicated on-board power supply input, independent from the main power supply.
Analog I/O: 0-10 V, 4-20 mA, Pt100, and Pt1000
The Industrial Analog Inputs Expansion Board offers four galvanically isolated inputs for 4-20mA and 0-10V signals from standard industrial probes, along with two dedicated inputs for PT100 and PT1000 temperature sensors. It uses a 24-bit ADC for high accuracy.
The Industrial Analog Outputs expansion board provides four analog outputs, individually configurable as 0-10 V voltage or 0-20 mA current drivers.
Additionally, both boards feature a protected 5 V auxiliary power output and two 5 V-level I/O lines that can be used as general purpose inputs or outputs, as well as bidirectional data lines such as I²C or 1-Wire busses, Wiegand interfaces, or serial communication lines.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Two options for uninterrupted service:
- UPS with external lead acid or AGM battery, and auxiliary supply output
- UPS with integrated supercapacitors
In the event of a power outage, your system remains operational, providing ample time to send alerts and perform a clean shutdown if necessary.
And we are not done yet. We continue to design new boards, adding new features, connectivity, and I/O options.
The ultimate flexibility: X2-Series development tools
Sometimes the sentence “Here’s the problem, here’s the solution” is really hard to be implemented with standard products. Some projects have specificities so peculiar that only a custom development can fulfil.
Normally, one would expect such a custom development to be long and very expensive.
With Strato Pi Max, we give you the tools to prototype (and build, if you like) your own expansion board.
The full X2 specification is available to anyone who wants to extend the capabilities of their Strato Pi Max. It is an open specification, not protected by any complex licensing contract, third-party products compliance, or certification requirements.
Raspberry Pi Ecosystem: A World of Possibilities
Anything that runs on a Raspberry Pi board, runs on Strato Pi Max.
Strato Pi Max leverages the vast Raspberry Pi ecosystem, enabling you to develop, test, and deploy applications without proprietary software or operating systems. This ensures:
- Effortless migration of existing applications to the Strato Pi Max.
- Access to extensive community resources and support.
- Compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and software tools.
Enhanced security: Zymbit Secure Compute Module
Our collaboration with Zymbit brings an added layer of security to the Strato Pi Max. With the Zymbit Secure Compute Module as its core, the Strato Pi Max is further fortified with secure boot, encrypted file system, A/B updates with safe recovery and cryptographic engine—all fully encapsulated in a tamper resilient module—making it an ideal choice for zero-trust environments.
Custom Solutions from Factory to Field
White-labeling and OEM services are available for all our products.
Custom branding, front-panel logos and outer packaging labels, matching our customers’ corporate identity.
Custom provisioning to streamline deployment, including:
- Pre-installed OS images and firmware.
- Customized test procedures.
- Specific identification labeling or markings.
These services allow units to arrive fully ready for deployment, eliminating additional setup time. For added convenience, devices can even be shipped directly to the deployment site.
Beyond Hardware: Specialized Services from Sfera Labs
For businesses requiring advanced functionality, Sfera Labs offers specialized firmware and software development services.
We work closely with clients to understand their unique challenges, developing custom firmware and software solutions designed to meet specific application needs. Whether it’s advanced data processing, custom communication protocols, or hardware-level control, our team can tailor the solution to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
These services are especially beneficial for companies aiming to push the boundaries of performance while maintaining reliability and scalability in demanding industrial environments. By combining cutting-edge hardware with highly customized software and firmware, we ensure that your system is both powerful and adaptable, ready to handle the most complex tasks with ease.
Ideal for Industrial Automation and IoT
Given its flexibility, it is hard to list typical applications for a product like Strato Pi Max. The scope is wide, ranging from edge server general purpose computer to flexible PLC for industrial control.
In all use cases, Strato Pi Max is a platform that offers a compelling computing platform, based on the incredibly popular Raspberry Pi framework, specifically suited to applications where long service life and reliability are important.
Strato Pi Max is purpose-built for industrial automation and IoT applications, offering the reliability and flexibility necessary for critical systems.
Its features ensure reliable, continuous operation, critical for energy management, remote infrastructure monitoring, or any high-availability application.
With its ability to integrate seamlessly into larger systems, Strato Pi Max excels as both a standalone solution and a scalable building block for more complex projects.
