LucidControl USB Relay Module — Switching of Power Loads and Control of Digital Signals

1. LUCIDCONTROL USB RELAY MODULE — SWITCHING OF POWER LOADS AND CONTROL OF DIGITAL SIGNALS The LucidControl USB Relay Module is a member of the LucidControl product series. LucidControl offers a wide range of IO modules for analog and digital signals. The USB Relay modules are the LucidControl solution for controlling digital output lines and switching power loads. Depending on the type of digital outputs, the USB Relay Module offers 4 or 8 digital outputs.

2. Mechanical SPDT Relay The USB Relay Module with SPDT configuration uses mechanical relays. This USB Relay Module is made for switching power loads or signals by an SPDT (single-pole-double-throw) or a SSR (solid state) relay. The SPDT relay is able to switch AC and DC signals. The picture shows the schematic of one of the 4 relay channels. Each channel has 3 terminals. If the output channel is in off state, the relay is switched off and the common contact © is connected to the normally closed contact (NC). If the output is activated, the relay is switched to on state and the common contact is connected to the normally opened (NO) contact.

3. The make-brake function of mechanical relays have the advantage that they behave like switches and that signals are not interfered by the relay. The SPDT relay isolates the switching circuit from the controller and protects the host computer connected via USB. Using the connection pathC — NC, the output of the SPDT USB Relay Module can be connected when the LucidControl becomes power-less, e.g. when it is plugged off. The other USB Relay modules need to be powered up in order to connect the switch. On the other hand, mechanical relays have a limited number of switching cycles over the lifetime. Since mechanical (movable) parts are used in SPDT relays, they wear out over time. This makes them less useful when periodical signals are generated. Output channels of the LucidControl DO4-S version use mechanical relays. They are rated for a voltage of max. 30V and a current of max. 0.75A. Typical applications are switching of power loads or analog signals like Pt1000 RTD sensors. SOLID STATE RELAY

4. The USB Relay Modules DO4-I / DO8-I use electronic solid state relays (SSR). They allow the user to control 4 or 8 USB relay outputs. The picture shows the schematic of the USB Relay Module with SSR. Each output channel has two terminals, which are connected when the digital output channel is activated. A SSR is a semiconductor, which is able to switch high currents and voltages. It is controlled by a low voltage, which can enable or disable the switch. The output section of a SSR consists of a MOSFET, which is driven by an optically coupled input LED. If the LED is sourced by a current, it drives the MOSFET to conductive state.

5. In contradiction to mechanical SPDT switches, SSR operate bounceless because the contact is established very fast and steady. The USB Relay Module with solid state relay outputs is the preferred solution for most applications like switching of power loads and generation of digital output signals such as pulse width modulation (PWM). The SSR output channels are able to drive currents up to 0.75A and voltages up to 30V. Open Collector (Drain) Outputs

6. The DO4-O configuration of LucidControl offers 4 open collector outputs. The picture shows one output channel of the LucidControl USB Relay Module with open collector outputs. Each channel has two terminals. Open collector outputs are formed by a MOSFET where the load is connected to the drain (resp. Collector). If the output is activated, the MOSFET connects the drain with ground, switching on the power load. The advantage of USB Relay Modules with open collector outputs is the fast switching speed. If lights should be dimmed flicker free, open collector outputs are preferable. The downside is mainly, that all output channels of this USB Relay module share the same ground signal. The connected host computer is also connected to this ground line and the outputs are not isolated. In most applications, the USB Relay module with solid state outputs is the better choice and applications of the open collector module is limited to the explained applications. Operation of LucidControl USB Relay Modules

7. All output channels of the USB Relay module are independent and can operate in different modes. Timer functions allow the precise generation of pule-width- modulated signals. All LucidControl come with a complete documentation describing the functionality as well as the communication protocol in detail. The LucidControl USB Relay Module starts operation instantly when it was connected with the USB. No power adapters are necessary in order to run the device. We provide API and software tools which make it easy to start with the unit. The LucidIoCtrl command line tool for example allows the developer to control digital output channels by entering a single line in the terminal (console) window. Examples and API are available for many programming languages as C# (.NET), Python, Java. Feel free to contact us if you have some questions regarding our products. Contact Us info@deciphe-it.com lucid-control.com