Interface Hardware
Relay Card
- I/O channels: 8 n/o relay contacts
- Indicator LEDs
- I2C bus channels used: 8 digital (of a possible 128*)
- Output rating: 6A @ 240V ac
- Size 92 x 97mm
- Power supply: 10-28V dc, 120mA nom
Price
Product code: 5620
Digital Output Card
- I/O channels: 8 opto-isolated MOSFETs, n-channel, open drain
- Indicator LEDs
- I2C bus channels used: 8 digital (of a possible 128*)
- On resistance: 0.05 ohm
- Output rating: 4A @ 30V dc
- Size 87 x 97mm
[This card requires the VM2 I2C Bus to run at 5V]
Price
Product code: 5621
Digital Input Card
- I/O channels: 16 opto-isolated inputs, 2 banks of 8
- ‘NPN’ or ‘PNP’ polarity
- Indicator LEDs
- I2C bus channels used: 16 digital (of a possible 128*)
- Input voltage: 24V dc nom
- Size 91 x 93mm
Price
Product code: 5622
18/12-bit Analogue I/O Port
- 1 channel up to 18-bit differential input
- 8 channels 12-bit input
- 2 channels 12-bit output
- I2C bus
- Prototyping area – uncommitted array on 2.54mm pitch
This Analogue I/O Port allows the VM2 controller to read 8 analogue inputs and generate 2 analogue outputs at 12 bit resolution, and also to read one analogue input at up to 18 bits.
Up to 2 of these Analogue I/O Ports may be connected to each I2C Bus, though in this case the 18-bit inputs are not easily usable.
The Analogue I/O Port will plug directly into the I2C connector on the Application Boards.
The kit includes an I2C cable and additional connectors.
Price
Product code: 5624
Digital I/O Port
The Digital I/O Port allows the VM2 controller to generate and detect 16 digital signals at logic levels. Up to 4 of these Digital I/O Ports may be connected to each I2C Bus. With alternative driver chips this can be increased to 8 Ports, a total of 128 digital I/O channels per I2C Bus.
The Digital I/O Port plugs directly into the I2C connector on the Application Boards.
The kit includes an I2C cable.
Price
Product code: 1022
RS-232 Level Shifter
Converts between logic-level serial interfaces and industry standard RS-232 levels on a standard 9 pin D-type connector (plug). It may be useful for
- Developing designs where an RS232 serial port is needed for development but not in the final product.
- Adding more RS232 ports to a standard VM2 Application Board.
Price
Product code: 5914
Extending VM2
The VM2 controller can connect to a host of different devices, and many useful interfaces are built into the standard VM2 Application Boards. This page shows a range of interfaces that can extend the capabilities of the application boards.
These circuits may also be designed into a custom application board.
Interface types
Interfaces fall in three main classes
Industrial I/O Cards
The Industrial I/O cards provide an interface between the controller and industrial signal levels. Up to 8 cards may be directly connected to a single VM2 system, and another 8 if a second I2C Bus is implemented. The cards plug directly into the I2C connector on any standard Application Board.
- I2C cable supplied
- Fully integrated with Venom language
- Pluggable screw terminals – ‘Combicon’
- Industry standard signal levels
- Up to 16 cards can be connected
- LED level indicators
- Isolated input and outputs
- Optional Long Distance I2C Interface (I2C Bus voltage must be set to 5V)
Board-level interfaces
The digital and analogue interfaces described below have I/O at logic and low power signal levels, and are intended for prototyping new applications, low volume production and use inside an instrument case.
There is also an RS-232 converter to interface between the VM2’s logic level serial interfaces and RS-232 signalling levels.
*Up to 128 Digital I/O
You can connect digital I/O cards up to a total of 64 digital inputs or outputs on the main I2C Bus. If you implement a second I2C Bus you can add another 64 digital I/O.