Abstract: The present invention relates to a control unit for controlling the motor drive for a sunblind, comprising:—an electric drive motor with which the sunblind can be driven;—an electric power supply; and—a universal, programmable microcontroller connected to the power supply and provided with:—at least one input port for receiving first operating signals according to a first signal protocol and/or for receiving second operating signals according to a second protocol differing from the first protocol, and—a control port coupled to the drive motor for transmitting to the drive motor a control signal with which the drive motor can be switched on and off; wherein the microcontroller is adapted to receive an incoming operating signal, to determine the protocol followed by the operating signal, to convert the operating signal into the correct control signal for the drive motor, and to transmit the control signal to the drive motor.