LucidControl USB IO Modules
- Data acquisition and control
- Cost effective and flexible
- Platform independent
- Windows® and Linux
- Compatible with RPi and Beagle Bone
- Clippable on DIN-Rail
- Industrial & home automation
USB Digital Input Module
LucidControl Product Series
- 4 digital inputs
- 3 voltage level options
- Opto insulated contacts
- Counters and edge detectors
USB Digital Output Module
LucidControl Product Series
- Opto insulated option
- 4 digital outputs
- Relay module option
- Pulse width modulation and timers
- Switching and power control applications
USB Analog Input Module
LucidControl Product Series
- Measurement range options
- 4 analog inputs
- e.g. 0 ~ 10 V or -10 ~ 10 V
- 14 bit resolution
- Acquisition of sensor signals
USB Analog Output Module
LucidControl Product Series
- 4 analog outputs
- Output range options
- e.g. 0 - 10 V or 4 - 20 mA
- 12 bit resolution
- 4 - 20 mA current interfaces
USB RTD Input Module
LucidControl Product Series
- 4/8 Pt1000/Pt100 RTD inputs
- Temperature range: -180 ~ 180 °C or 0 ~ 360°C
- 0.1 °C resolution
- Heat control applications
- Logging of temperatures
LucidControl Relay Modules is the unique product series for monitoring and controlling analog and digital signals.
LucidControl USB IO Modules are compatible with the popular Raspberry Pi mini sized computers. In order to provide easy integration, the Plug-and Play USB IO Modules work with Windows and Linux.
The Relay Module as one member of the LucidControl USB IO Module Series provides 4 Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) relays. These outputs allows to control power loads as well as to manage signals.
The LucidControl Relay Module is available in the following three options:
Solid State Relays (SSR) create a potential and optical insulated output line. Their main usage is to generate general purpose Outputs e.g. for driving logic lines and to control power consumers like pumps, valves or lamps. Beside of the static switching, Solid State Relays allow the periodical pulsing of power consumers which is a common method to regulate the consumed power. The Solid State Relays module allow to switch up to 30V and 0.75A which results in power of 22.5W
Open Collector outputs are realized by using MOS-FET transistors. The advantage of Open Collector outputs is the fast switching cycle which enables them to dim LEDs where fast on off cycles are needed in order to avoid flickering.
For controlling power consumers Solid State Relays are first choice also because of their ability to generate pulse-width-modulation (PWM) and their strong protection. Open Collector outputs are the best solution for lightning dimming.
And what are the advantages of the Relay Module?
The Relay Module is based on mechanical SPDT Relays which can be used for various purposes. Since it is based on mechanical relays, the outputs behave like standard switches. In contradiction to the Open Collector Option or the Solid State Relay Option, the USB Relay Module provides mechanical SPDT relay switches instead of semiconductors like transistors.
Beside of the ability of switching power loads, the Relay Module is also able to control signal lines like temperature sensors and audio lines without distortion.
width=”300px” alt=”USB Relay Module – Switch
The very strong insulation level and protection of the USB Relay Module protects the connected host computer to a maximum because the controlled signals are completely separated from the Relay Controller circuit. The drawing shows the relay included in the LucidControl Relay Module where the galvanic insulation is highlighted by the red line. This border represents the protection and separation of the host computer and the signal controlled by the Relay Module.
In contradiction to the other USB Digital Output Modules, the Relay Module is able to toggle between two signals which means that it is able to select one out of two signals and e.g. allows to connect two signals to a loudspeaker alternatively. While the other modules have 2 contacts per channel, the USB Relay Module has 3 – one for off state and one for on state. When the relay is switched off, the audio source, which is connected to the common contact “C” of the SPDT relay, is switched to the normally closed contact “NC”. When the relay is switched on “C” is connected with normally open contact “NO”.
Advantages come always with disadvantages and the Relay Module should not be used for cyclic switching. The Lifetime of mechanical switches is limited by their switching cycles. Because of this the pulse-width-modulation mode is not supported by the Relay Module.
This was a brief overview on the Relay Module. For further information feel free to visit our website, where the USB Relay Module and the other devices of the LucidControl USB IO Module Series are documented in detail.