Introduction to the LucidControl USB Digital Output Module
If a digital control solution is required for some automation project, LucidControl is best suited because of processing digital and also analog lines as well.
The LucidControl USB Digital Output Module is inexpensive and additionally ready for mobile applications because of being USB powered and there are no additional power adapters necessary. It is enough to hook the devices through a standard Universal serial bus port with the host computer.
The modules can be integrated without much hassle to distribution boxes being quite typical in automation branch mainly because of the flexible DIN-rail attachable enclosure. Moreover, the input and output units are supplied with most dependable and also plug-able terminal contacts which is helpful for projects in general.
Services for e.g. controlling lights as they are usual in the do-it-yourself field can be made tidy and straight forward by adding the equipment into distribution boxes.
The USB Digital Output Module is the perfect system for both, beginners as well as pros as they come with thorough software tools and additionally APIs for many development languages what makes their usage totally simple. In the training field, LucidControl can be employed by trainees to do their first steps in automated development.
With no need for further driver software, they are operating instantly with many popular computers and work with Microsoft Windows or Linux operating systems. Beside of ordinary PC they are also compatible with small computers like the TI Beagle Bone Black what makes the IO modules very useful.
Making use of Linux operating system these small computers are absolutely best prepared in order to create Internet programs making all input and output capabilities available through the Internet.
LucidControl USB Digital Output Modules explained
The USB Digital Input Device in combination with the USB Digital Output Module represent the two types of the LucidControl product series and manage the input and output of digital lines.
The LucidControl USB digital output modules are prepared to manage four digital output signals. They are made to drive numerous output signals as well as to manage electrical loads for example valves, pumps and heaters. The outputs are carried out in different types providing maximum versatility.
In order to match most technical demands, options using solid state relays(SSR), mechanical relays as well as open collector outputs are available.
For insulated switching of electrical power loads and preventing the drawback of wearing out of mechanical contacts, employing Solid State Relays (SSR) offer the best total functionality. If power loads like pumps need to be managed, they are most appropriate.
Mechanical SPDT relays are useful in order to control power consumers as well as measurement channels such as voltages preventing distortion and additionally they are able to toggle between two values.
For fast pulse-width modulated (PWM) lines that are utilized for controlling lights, open collector outputs are the best choice by generating fastest signal changes.
Applications including timer switches controlling the power of electrical consumers such as lawn sprinklers can be build simply because of the timer capabilities that are included in the USB Digital Output Module and allows the creation of pulsed signals.
To make them as useful as feasible and to cover the majority of potential projects, it is our productsfocus to cover many digital and analog signals with the LucidControl USB I/O Devices.
More information regarding the LucidControl USB input and output units are available on our home page.
Control of 4/8 digital output channels or relays
The USB Digital Output Module is the control solution for digital lines. The USB Digital Output Module allows the generation of high/low signals as well as to control power consumers.
USB Digital Output Module options
Output Configuration | Function |
---|---|
Solid State Relay Interface | The optical and potential insulated outputs are realized by using solid state relays (SSR). The USB Relay Module with SSR provides the best overall capabilities and high protection level for controlling power loads like pumps, fans or heating elements by statically switching or by periodically pulsing. Each digital output is rated with 30 V and 0.75 A and can switch loads up to 22.5 Watt. |
SPDT Relay Interface | Using the USB Relay Module with mechanical SPDT (C-Type) relay switches allows to switch power loads as well as to switch or toggle signals e.g. for measurements without distortion. Mechanical relays provide a very high protection level. |
Please find here more information about the characteristics of the different USB IO Module outputs.
Digital Output operation modes
For most flexibility each of the 4/8 channels of the USB Digital Output Module can be configured on one of the following modes:
Mode | Function |
---|---|
Reflect Mode | Generates a digital output signal by setting the channels state directly. |
Duty-Cylce Mode | Generates a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) by configuring cycle time and duty cycle. This mode can be used in order to control the power of loads by pulsing them periodically. |
On-Off Mode | Generates a time sequenced output signal. Using this mode the USB Digital Output Module can be used to realize e.g. time switches. |
Galvanic USB Isolation
All LucidControl USB IO Modules are available with galvanic USB isolation. Contact us for more information.
High speed output processing
The USB Digital Output Module provides functions which allow to access the outputs without direct interaction of the host computer. This allows a precise timing which would not be realizable if the host computer was involved.
Optical indication of digital output states
The state of each digital output is reflected by a LED
No Power Supply needed
All LucidControl are power supplied by USB and do not need additional power supply.
Easy installation of Hard and Software
LucidControl modules are easy to install and start working immediately after set up.
The IO Modules are compatible with Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi and Beagle Bone
LucidControl provides drivers for all major operating systems. Command line tools and APIs for Windows and Linux are available. The API is ready for .NET, Java and Python.