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

Temperatur Logging with USB I/O Modules

Diagram Logging Hot Water

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

Raspberry Pi

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
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