USB and Network I/O
Turn your computer with LucidControl USB and LucidIoT network I/O modules to a powerful data acquisition, monitoring and control system.
IoT & Cloud Connectivity
LucidIoT supports e.g. HTTPS, MQTT, Modbus TCP/IP, and FTP. Support of major IoT cloud services.
Remote I/O Device
Access LucidIoT remotely over the Internet and get full power over your applications – secure and wherever you are.
Customized Solutions
Realization of customer specific solutions with our flexible LucidControl hardware and software platform.
Comming Soon – Lucid485 Serial IO Controller
We are happy to announce the Lucid485 serial IO controller with Modbus RTU support.
The new Lucid485 IO module extends our analog and digital IO solutions for USB and Ethernet.
Lucid485 makes all analog and digital IO functions accessible by the serial Modbus RTU protocol. It integrates flawlessly into the product family and combines LucidIo technology with the popular Modbus RTU protocol.
Available products are the:
- Lucid485 DI modules with 4/8/16 digital input channels (isolated)
- Lucid485 DO modules with 4/6/8/16 digital output channels (solid-state and mechanical relays)
- Lucid485 DI4DO4 modules with 4 digital inputs and 4 digital outputs
- Lucid485 AI modules with 4/8 analog input channels (e.g. 10V, 24V, 20mA)
- Lucid485 AO modules with 4/8 analog output channels (e.g. 10V, 24V, 4-20mA)
- Lucid485 RI modules with 4/8 Pt100 or Pt1000 RTD input channels
We are currently in the final testing and documentation phase.
Lucid485 will be available in early Q4 and we will update product pages within the next weeks.
Please contact us for more information information.
LucidIoT – Secure IoT Network I/O Module
LucidIoT introduces IoT and many other functions to the LucidControl. LucidIoT is a secure network I/O module for acquisition and control of analog and digital signals. It can interface with up to 16 analog or digital I/O channels.
LucidIoT is configurable and available with many options, which can be selected on the product page.
The picture beside shows the LIOT-DI8-24-AO8-10 which is able to control 8 digital input channels and 8 analog output channels.
If it is for example necessary to control 8 digital output and 8 analog 0-10V output channels, the LIOT-DO8-I-AO8-10V is the matching product configuration.
The LucidIoT network I/O module is a customizable data acquisition and control solution providing up the 16 I/O channels. The specific options can be configured during the ordering process.
LucidIoT allows installation of two I/O slots 0 and 1. Each I/O slot provides its own function class and type. A function class is e.g. digital output or analog input and define the general functionality of the I/O slot. The function type specifies details of the function class like input voltage range.
A slot of the LucidIoT module can be configured in the following function classes:
- Isolated Digital Input with 8 Channels (DI8) with 5V, 10V or 24V
- Isolated Digital Output with 8 Channels (DO8) with solid state relays
- Analog Input with 4/8 Channels (AI4/AI8) with e.g. 5V, 10V, 24V or 0-20mA
- Analog Output with 4/8 Channels (AO4/AO8) with e.g. 5V, 10V, 24V or 4-20mA
- RTD Input with 8 Channels (RI8) for Pt100 and Pt1000 Temperature Sensors
Each function class is available with different function types.
IoT Module Features
Network I/O Functions
LucidIoT multi-protocol I/O module communicates via Ethernet 10/100 Mbit and supports IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Protocols like protocols DHCP, DNS, NetBIOS and TCP are available.
Strong Security Functions
Secure communication is very important for IoT devices. For most cloud services TLS/SSL security is mandatory. LucidIoT supports this fully by fast hardware acceleration. Protocols can be secured by X.509 certificates and private/public keys.
HTTPS Server with Responsive Pages
LucidIoT I/O values and configuration parameters are accessible by a web browser. The HTTPS is the most comfortable way to access LucidIoT. The modern responsive design looks great on desktops as well as on mobile devices.
Customized web pages can be loaded to LucidIoT internal memory by using the FTP server. This allows customers to define their own user interfaces and makes it e.g. possible to present measurement data in a specific layout.
MQTT Client
The MQTT client makes LucidIoT ready for cloud applications like Amazon AWS and it is able to publish data (topics) to them. Furthermore, LucidIoT can subscribe topics. This allows e.g. to send a measured voltage or temperature to the cloud service or to control a digital output remotely by subscribed data.
Popular smart home automation software like Home Assistant or openHAB can be interfaced by MQTT what means that all LucidIoT I/O signals can be integrated to them.
Modbus TCP/IP
LucidIoT supports the Modbus TCP/IP protocol which is an important network protocol in the automation industry. This makes it easy, to integrate LucidIoT into existing installations.
A PLC or HMI system can access the I/O values and configuration parameters by reading or writing the corresponding holding registers.
FTP Server
The FTP server gives access to the internal file system.
Files can be uploaded, downloaded or deleted. This is very convenient to get data log files or to upload customized web pages.
Data Logging
The file system is used for data logging. LucidIoT can be configured to log I/O values (e.g. measured voltages or temperatures) to a data log file. Various formats like the decimal representation can be specified.
LucidIoT generates one log file per day in CSV format which is compatible with most spread sheet applications. The logfile can be downloaded to a local computer for further processing.
JSON REST API
LucidIoT executes JSON formatted requests and returns requested data e.g. return I/O values in JSON format. The JSON REST API interface is a secure way to access LucidIoT.
The JSON REST API is the native protocol of LucidIoT. Customized web pages can access I/O values and configuration parameters.
User Management
The user management controls access to function groups. Users need to log in in order to write or read I/O values, I/O channel configuration or to get access via FTP.
Filesystem
LucidIoT offers 4 GByte internal memory and supports a file system.
Data logging files and custom data like web pages can be saved to the file system. Files can be downloaded to a local computer by FTP.
System Clock
The power-fail save system clock supports local time zones. The date and time information is used e.g. in order to generate time stamps for the data logging function.
The system clock can be synchronized by SNTP servers.
System Diagnostic
Because of the complexity of LucidIoT it is important to record system information. This informs the user e.g. about configuration problems.
A watchdog timer monitors the operation of LucidIoT.
Compatibility
LucidIoT is compatible with software tools of the LucidControl series. Basic function of LucidIoT are accessible e.g. by the LucidIoCtrl command line tool.
This makes it easy for the user to migrate existing LucidControl installations to LucidIoT.
Easy Installation
LucidIoT is made for industrial switch cabinet installations. It has an enclosure with integrated snap-on for standard 35mm DIN rails, as they can be found in switch cabinets.
Moreover, LucidIoT has reliable plug-able I/O terminal connectors.
The unit can be supplied by a 9-24V power supply. Optionally, a galvanic isolated power supply is available.
Firmware Update
Firmware updates are very important for IoT devices which are exposed to the Internet. LucidIoT devices can be updated with new firmware releases.
Developer Tools
We support developers with SDK/API for many environments like .NET and Python. Sample code for LucidIoT can be provided.
Developers receive a documentation which explains LucidIoT and its protocols fully.
Customized Solutions
We offer customized services for LucidIoT. If our customers need specific functions which are not available in the standard configurations, we can develop a customized solution.
Typical IoT Applications for LucidIoT
Due to the flexibility of LucidIoT it can be used in many applications.
Industry 4.0
LucidIoT supports protocols which allows communication with third-party components. This makes it perfect solution for industry 4.0 automation.
LucidIoT can communicate with PLC, HMI and SCADA systems.
Logging and Monitoring
LucidIoT logs and monitors input values standalone without network communication, or it can communicate via MQTT or Modbus/TCP protocols.
Manage Enterprise-Resource-Planning
LucidIoT can support your ERP system with realtime process data from your production facility.
Smart Home Automation
LucidIoT can easily be integrated into popular smart home automation software like Home Assistant or openHAB.
Many home automation software support data exchange via a MQTT broker like Eclipse Mosquitto.
LucidIoT can publish values like temperatures or voltages to the MQTT broker and exchange data with the home automation software. In reverse it is also possible to control LucidIoT outputs by automations
LucidControl USB IO Modules in a Nutshell
The LucidControl product family consists of powerful Plug-and-Play USB I/O and network I/O devices for building modular digital and analog data acquisition and control systems.
LucidControl captures and generates analog and digital signals like voltages, temperatures, resistances and logic. The host computer can make use of this values e.g. for data logging, monitoring or control applications.
Additionally, LucidControl devices are able to generate output signals and they are ready to control power loads like lamps, fans or pumps simply via USB or Internet.
Are you looking for easy to use control devices?
All LucidControl USB IO modules are controlled by using the same software which makes working with the modules extremely simple. Once a module is connected to the computer it starts working immediately.
LucidControl needs only to be connected to a computer via Universal Serial Bus. The power required by the devices is supplied by USB what makes the modules most cost effective since no additional components like power supplies or adapters needed.
Using LucidControl USB IO modules is absolutely straightforward. Utilizing the provided command line tool, the Java and the Python API give full access to all functions of the modules where it does not matter how many devices are connected to the computer.
Advantages of LucidControl USB I/O Modules
Whenever you are looking for a solution for automation tasks you should consider the LucidControl product family as a good choice. The USB I/O Module provides outstanding technical features at a reasonable price. They fit best for data acquisition, monitoring and control applications.
By capturing and generating analog and digital signals like logic states, temperatures, voltages, currents, resistances and clocks the flexible USB I/O Module ready to control consumers like fans, pumps or even lamps via USB.
Offering a USB interface allows easy connection to a computer at lowest costs. Since LucidControl USB I/O Modules are also power supplied via USB, extra components like adapters or even power supplies are not needed.
Beside of being best prepared for home applications, LucidControl USB I/O modules are also designed in order to fulfil many relevant criteria for industrial applications. Only to mention the possibility to mount them on standard DIN-Rails. This feature allows the integration of LucidControl USB I/O modules into switch boxes of an automation project.
LucidControl USB I/O modules are designed in order to be connected to various different computer systems. Thanks to the standardized device driver, which is available in operating systems like Microsoft Windows® and Linux, out of the box installation can be performed very easily within minutes.
Additionally, the USB I/O devices are compatible with the Raspberry Pi® and Texas Instruments Beagle Bone Black computers. Employing these computer boards makes the creation of web services and mobile applications very easy.
In order to increase the usability and to improve the learning curve, LucidControl USB I/O Modules are all compatible and share the same tools. As soon as a module is available on a computer it starts working immediately.
Utilizing the available LucidIoCtrl command line tool makes the work with the USB I/O Modules straight forward. Multiple devices and be connected connected to a single computer can be accessed separately. APIs and examples are available for Java®, Python and .NET.
Controlling, Logging and Data Acquisition System
LucidControl USB I/O modules are used in many automation projects. When signals have to be acquired or generated e.g. in the factory floor automation section, the modules can be employed in order to control fans, lawn sprinklers or other power loads. This makes it easy to build e.g. time switches or much more complicated systems which e.g. control a valve depending on temperatures.
USB I/O Module is able to measure temperature of Pt100 and Pt1000 sensors. This makes them perfect for energy management applications. Pulsed outputs (PWM) and standardized analog 0-10 V interfaces generate signals for controlling valves, mixers or pumps. A typical application for this is controlling of a central heating system by logic depending on measured temperatures.
In the hobby area the reasonable priced modules are ready to control LED lightning creating different lightning scenarios.
Last but not least, all applications can be controlled remotely over the Internet e.g. by using smartphones. Via a host computer which is connected to the Internet LucidControl USB I/O modules are accessible remotely flexible and secure.
Flexible Interfaces with USB I/O Module (Analog / Digital)
Our companies goal is it to equip LucidControl USB I/O modules with many different interfaces.
LucidControl USB Digital Input Modules read logic input signals with 5V, 10V and 24V threshold levels common in automation industry. They are available with 4 and 8 channels. These inputs can communicate with other control system components or e.g. read the state of a push button or switch.
LucidControl USB Digital Output Modules can generate logic output signals up to 24V. They are available with solid-state relays, mechanical relays and open collector outputs with 4 and 8 channels. Typical applications are controlling of power loads like pumps or valves or to create general purpose digital output signals.
LucidControl USB Analog Input Modules (ADC) are available for voltage input ranges of 0-5V, 0-10V and 0-24V. The 0-10V input range can be used for 0-10V interfaces. The devices measures 4 channels. Options with negative input voltages ±10V and for currents 0-20mA are available.
LucidControl USB Analog Output Modules (DAC) can generate 4 voltages ranges 0-5V, 0-10V and ±12V. The modules can also source 4-20mA current signals. 4-20mA current loop interfaces are often used in the automation industry for reliable and lossless analog signal transmission over long distances.
LucidControl USB RTD Input Modules acquire the resistance and calculate the temperature of a standard Pt100 / Pt1000 sensor element. They are available with 4 and 8 input channels and for ±180°C and 0-360°C temperature range.
Raspberry Pi® and Beagle Bone Black
LucidControl is compatible with most computers running Microsoft Windows or Linux.
Additionally, small and powerful computer boards like the Raspberry Pi and the Beagle Bone Black work with the USB I/O Modules, too. These boards provide USB and network interfaces and allow the connection of keyboard and display.
Because of the Linux operating system these computer boards can solve lots of tasks instantly. Tested and often free available software e.g. Internet servers and databases can make life much easier. After an Internet server has been installed, LucidControl can be accessed with all its functionality remotely simply by web browsers, secure and all over the world.
Professional databases like MySQL are very helpful when it comes to reliable logging of acquired process data with minimal effort.
Many available example applications demonstrate the use of LucidControl.
Software & Documentation
A large and still growing software package makes the setup of LucidControl USB IO Modules very simple.
Additionally, all functions are documented in detail and tutorials give valuable information and ideas for various applications.
A first start should be the LucidIoCtrl command line tool which works with all LucidControl modules. It is ready for all major operating systems and runs without any necessary installation on most computers. It it the best choice to control the modules without a single line of programming.
Popular programming languages like Python and Java are supported by application programming interfaces. Due to the comprehensive documentation the modules can be integrated into other programming languages without hassle.
Concept & Support
Our company – deciphe it GmbH – is the developer and manufacturer of LucidControl products and we use the devices for our own projects and purposes.
We try to to make the first steps into the LucidControl system as easy as possible but if you have some problem which you can not solve on your own, we will help you as good as we can to find a solution.
The hardware as well as the software follow a consistent and modular concept which is clear and expandable.
On customers request we are able to realize add-on modules providing additionally functionality without changing the basic functionality of a LucidControl USB I/O module.
Because of the adaptable and upgrade able firmware, functions can be implemented and updated on the field easily.
If you have any questions, our support would be happy to assist you. Feel free to contact us.
Highlights Modular USB I/O data acquisition and control system
Highlights | Modular IO data acquisition and control system |
---|---|
Compatible with various digital io and analog io signals | |
No power supply needed | |
Most simple installation | |
Consistent and easy usage for the whole series | |
Applications | Building services |
Control engineering | |
Energy management | |
Logging and Monitoring | |
Camping and hobby |
Portability | Platform independent |
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Works with Windows® and Linux | |
Compatible with popular Raspberry Pi® and Beaglebone Black | |
API for Java® and Python | |
Services | Web applications |
Internet remote access | |
Smartphone access | |
Industrial Design |
DIN-rail mountable |
Switchboard assembly | |
Reliable Connectors |