Discover why GOcontroll Moduline controllers are the best alternative for Raspberry Pi as prototyping controller, offering robustness, flexibility, and full EMC compliance.

The Raspberry Pi is popular for prototypes and small production runs due to its flexibility and wide range of expansion options. Yet, this flexibility often comes at the cost of robustness and compliance, especially in demanding environments. That’s where the GOcontroll Moduline controllers step in as a reliable alternative for Raspberry Pi as prototyping controller. These modular embedded controllers combine the same ease of programming and modularity but are engineered to meet strict EMC and CE standards, making them suitable for automotive, industrial, maritime, and agricultural applications.

The Raspberry Pi has become a favorite platform for engineers, hobbyists, and developers due to its adaptability. With its broad ecosystem of expansion boards (“HATs”), it allows for fast prototyping across many applications. However, in real-world professional environments, limitations quickly surface:

• Lack of EMC compliance: Raspberry Pi boards are not designed to meet automotive or industrial EMC standards. This means they may emit interference or be too sensitive to external electromagnetic noise.
• Consumer-grade robustness: Unlike professional controllers, Raspberry Pi boards lack industrial-grade housing, connectors, and environmental protection.
• No guaranteed long-term availability: Product lifecycles are short, and availability can change, complicating small series production.

For small lab projects, these issues may not matter. But in industries like agriculture, automotive, or maritime, compliance and reliability are non-negotiable.

The GOcontroll Moduline family was created to combine modular flexibility with industrial reliability. Just like Raspberry Pi, Moduline controllers support different expansion modules, letting engineers configure hardware to match their exact needs. But unlike Raspberry Pi, they are built from the ground up for harsh environments.

Key advantages:

• EMC and CE compliance: Fully tested and certified for use in European industries.
• Rugged enclosures: CNC-milled aluminum housings (IP65–IP67 rated) protect electronics against shocks, dust, and moisture.
• Automotive connectors: Robust IO connectors ensure safe field deployment.
• Long-term support: GOcontroll offers dedicated support, updates, and scalability options.

This makes Moduline controllers the perfect bridge between flexible prototyping and professional-grade deployment.

Software flexibility is often the reason developers choose Raspberry Pi. GOcontroll embraces the same principle but with professional tools.

• Linux-based OS: All Moduline controllers run on Debian Linux, ensuring stability and security.
• MATLAB Simulink integration: Users can develop, simulate, and deploy algorithms without writing low-level code.
• Node-RED pre-installed: This open-source graphical programming tool allows fast IoT connectivity and system logic creation.
• Custom GOcontroll services: Features like connectivity guards, auto shutdown, and firmware management ensure reliability in the field.

The result is a platform that feels as open and flexible as Raspberry Pi, but with the safety and control demanded in professional applications.

Just like Raspberry Pi HATs, GOcontroll Moduline controllers offer modular hardware. Input, output, communication, and power modules can be added as needed, making each controller customizable.

Examples of available modules:

• 6 or 10 channel input modules
• 6 or 10 channel output modules
• 4-20mA input modules for industrial sensors
• Power bridge modules for high-current outputs
• Infrared and RTC modules for special applications

This modularity allows developers to build a custom controller for prototypes, then scale directly into small production runs without redesigning hardware.

Because of their robust design, Moduline controllers are suited for:

• Aftermarket automotive: Control units for e-trailers, infotainment, or fuel-cell systems.
• Agriculture: Smart control for machinery, irrigation, or autonomous driving.
• Maritime: Robust monitoring and energy management and steering control.
• Industry: Remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and scalable machine control.

In each of these environments, Raspberry Pi would fall short due to lack of compliance and ruggedness. GOcontroll Moduline fills this gap seamlessly.

The strongest benefit of choosing Moduline over Raspberry Pi is continuity. A prototype made with Moduline does not need to be redesigned for compliance or robustness later. The same controller that powers your prototype can be used in small production runs, with CE marking and EMC standards already in place.

This means:

• Faster time-to-market
• Lower risk of compliance failure
• Reduced redesign costs
• Direct scalability from idea to product

In other words, GOcontroll Moduline controllers allow you to prototype with confidence, knowing your solution is built to last.