Low-Cost Open-Source Real-Time Communication in Industrial IoT: Using the Raspberry Pi 5 with OPC UA over TSN

Industry 4.0 demands optimized industrial process control and enhanced data permeability, necessitating more capable edge-level hardware. While personal computers with real-time Linux operating systems offer ample computing power at low cost, they suffer from limitations in low-level connectivity, standardized compact form factors, and uncertain long-term supplies. This paper explores the Raspberry Pi 5 as a viable alternative, highlighting its excellent low-level connectivity, compact form factor, and guaranteed long-term availability until 2036. This study investigates the Raspberry Pi 5’s Performance in real-time communication scenarios using Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) over Time- Sensitive Networking (TSN), a critical requirement for industrial applications. By outlining necessary modifications to the Raspberry Pi 5 and its Linux kernel, we enable real-time communication via TSN. Performance measurements in an OPC UA PubSub scenario are then compared with industrial PCs, highlighting the Raspberry Pi 5’s potential as an alternative edge device.