Digital I/O

Digital I/O devices process digital signals (e.g., outputs from a controller) and output the results in digital format. A digital I/O module has both input and output functionality and is used for data acquisition. A digital I/O module includes on-off signals used in communication, user interface, or control. USB digital I/O can act as an alternative to acquisition and transmission of digital signals through PCI or ISA boards. It provides integrated signal conditioning, reduction in wiring/cabling requirements and ease of installation. A digital I/O board is a specially made device for automation and control of industrial equipment, and is usually used in machine vision and automation applications. A digital I/O card is a data acquisition card that has both digital inputs and outputs. Other digital I/O devices are commonly available.

Digital I/O devices function in a variety of ways. For example, a digital I/O module input module converts AC or DC voltages to DC logic signals and sends them to a computer system. A digital I/O module output module works in the opposite direction, switching either AC or DC circuits on or off in response to logic-level voltage commands from a computer. Examples of some USB digital I/O device features include 96 bits of parallel digital I/O divided into four 24-bit programmable peripheral interfaces (PPIs). Each PPI can be further divided into three 8-bit ports. Before using a digital I/O device such as a digital I/O board some features should be considered such as connectors and number of input and output lines. A digital I/O card may have 4, 8, 16 or 32 lines or channels. In some more complex applications, a standalone digital I/O card can be used, which can have as many as 96 channels and can provide both logic-level and high-current drive outputs. An 8-channel digital output card can be used to switch a wide variety of DC operated devices at up to 30 Volts and 4 Amps. Some specifications to consider when selecting a digital output card are power requirements, operating temperature range, relative humidity range, user connectors, nominal input circuit voltage, maximum short circuit and line fault. Digital I/O devices can be designed and manufactured to meet most industry specifications.

Digital I/O devices have many applications. For example, a digital I/O module can be used for the purpose of monitoring, analyzing, and controlling systems and processes. A USB digital I/O device is usually used in applications where one type of connector is used. Digital I/O devices find a large number of applications in laboratory testing, production testing, industrial process monitoring and control, controlling relays, and monitoring alarm states. A digital I/O board can be used for automated control of machines, solenoids, lamps, heaters, and motors. A digital I/O board can also be used for automated monitoring of digital sensors, switches, industrial input modules, status indicators, and remote transducers. A digital input card can be used for monitoring of field sensors, factory automation, energy management, security systems, and process monitoring. Digital I/O devices should be Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) compliant, Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Approved, and Consumer electronics Association (CEA) Compliant.

• Intelligent Handling of I/O using Galil's RIO Controller
  Galil has introduced a new version of its RIO smart I/O controller which provides higher range and resolution of the analog inputs and outputs. The new RIO-47120 provides 8 analog inputs and 8 analog...
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• Migrating a DOS-Based Application to Linux: A Digital I/O Example
  This article guides the reader through the process of migrating a DOS-based application to Linux. A simple example program is provided which demonstrates key concepts for direct I/O port access in...
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• Software Implementation of Asynchronous Serial I/O
  PIC16CXXX microcontrollers from Microchip Technology, Inc., high-performance, EPROM-based 8-bit microcontrollers. Some of the members of this series (like the PIC16C71 and PIC16C84) do not have an...
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Part Numbers for Digital IO