The controller board is the central nervous system of any smart locker system. It receives commands from the main control unit (Touch Panel, kiosk, or cloud server), drives the individual electronic locks, and reports door-open and door-close status back to the system. Understanding how a controller board works is essential for anyone designing or deploying a smart locker solution.

This article explains the architecture of a smart locker controller board, what the channel count means, how RS485 communication works in a multi-board deployment, and how to specify the right board for your locker bank size.

What Is a Locker Controller Board?

A locker controller board is a PCB that provides a set of switched power outputs — one per locker door — to drive electronic locks (solenoid or electromagnetic). Each output channel can be switched on (unlock) or off (lock) independently under software control. The board also reads feedback signals from door sensors (reed switches or micro-switches) to detect whether each door is open or closed.

The board communicates with the system host (a touch panel or embedded computer) via RS485, a two-wire differential serial bus that supports multiple boards on a single cable run with distances up to 1200 meters.

How a 24-Channel Board Works

DEWOD's XG3024 board provides 24 independently controlled lock output channels. Each channel drives one Solenoid Lock at 12V or 24V DC. A single board manages an entire bank of 24 locker doors. Multiple boards can be daisy-chained on a single RS485 bus — so a locker bank of 96 doors uses four boards, each with a unique RS485 address (1–255 configurable).

·         Board receives unlock command: host sends RS485 frame with board address + channel number + action (open)

·         Board activates the lock output: the solenoid fires for a configurable duration (typically 500ms–2000ms)

·         Board reports door status: the door-open sensor signal is continuously monitored and reported to the host

·         Host updates locker state: the software marks the locker as open/available/occupied based on sensor feedback

Power Requirements and Wiring

A 24-channel board driving 24 solenoid locks at 12V requires careful power supply sizing. Each solenoid draws 0.5–1.0A during the unlock pulse. Since unlocks are typically staggered (not simultaneous), a 5–10A power supply is generally sufficient for a 24-channel board in normal operation. For large deployments with many simultaneous unlocks (e.g., an entire locker bank releasing at end of a shift), calculate peak current and size accordingly.

DEWOD Controller Board Product Range

·         SK12: 12-channel board, 12V/24V, RS485, compact form factor for small cabinet deployments

·         XG3024: 24-channel board, 12V/24V, RS485, door sensor inputs, configurable unlock duration

·         XG3048: 48-channel board for high-density locker banks

·         Custom channel counts (1-100+) available for OEM projects

·         Very high holding force is needed without a mechanical bolt

The controller board is a straightforward but critical component in smart locker design. Specifying the right channel count, communication protocol, and power rating from the start avoids expensive redesigns. DEWOD controller boards are designed to work seamlessly with DEWOD solenoid locks, touch panels, and kiosk systems — simplifying both hardware procurement and software integration. Contact DEWOD for wiring diagrams, RS485 command protocols, and sample board availability.

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