In terms of production costs, if amortised NRE is taken into account, the only solution that can compete with SPLat is a full custom embedded system, and then only at very high volumes where the NRE has been diluted into insignificance.

PLCs

Conventional programable logic controller solutions are generally dearer than SPLat. This is not so much because you can’t buy cheap PLCs … you can … but because with traditional PLCs the moment you start adding any special I/O functions the cost skyrockets. Consider temperature measurement. How much does a typical RTD or thermocouple module cost for a PLC? Try $199 (well known low cost mail order PLC vendor, 4-channel thermocouple module). With a SPLat MMi201 you get 2 channels of temperature measurement free, as part of the controller. The MMi201 also includes an operator interface, with LCD, for $269 total price.

Single Board Computers

Conventional single board computer solutions are likewise weighed down by the cost of adding real-world interfacing. They also have, in the main, very large memories and powerful processors. Great if you need the grunt, but otherwise a costly overkill. It’s a bit like paying $1000 for a lawnmower because it comes only with a V8 engine, only to discover the grass catcher is another $600 and they forgot to make the attachments for it on the mower.

SPLat

The various SPLat solutions form a continuous band of cost versus quantity graphs. Our standard products features a lot of built in functionality. Where we have a suitable SPice board, or if we make you one, you achieve tremendous value.

Custom SPLat starts to compete with standard SPLat around a few hundred per year. Below that it may still be a cost-effective solution compared to non-SPLat strategies, but it will depend on the specific circumstances.