USB control module - optocoupler inputs - power outputs

Digital inputs via optocouplers, outputs via optocouplers and FET power switches

The powerful USB control module EXDUL-318E has 11 digital optocoupler inputs and eight digital power outputs with galvanic isolation. The bipolar optocoupler inputs are secured with additional overvoltage protection diodes. The optocoupler outputs, which are protected with reverse polarity protection diodes, can each switch a maximum current of 1 A per channel due to the downstream FET power switches. Contact A of the FET (source, + connection) is connected to one terminal each, contact B (drain, - connection) is brought together on a common terminal for all 8 channels. A freewheeling diode can be switched on for each channel to protect the FET power outputs from voltage peaks in the case of inductive loads.

Digital input can be used as a counter

If required, six of the 11 optocoupler inputs can also be programmed as hardware-supported 32-bit counter inputs. The counters can be used up to a maximum input clock of 5 kHz. In order to prevent data loss in the event of a power failure, the meter readings are saved in the module at intervals of 100 µs and automatically loaded into the meter register when the module is restarted.

Communication USB connection

The communication between the PC and the module takes place via the sending and receiving of byte arrays via the USB interface. This communication is secured by a handshake protocol.

Watchdog for secure communication

The EXDUL module has various security mechanisms. However, should the communication be interrupted, the module's integrated watchdog timer can be used to troubleshoot the problem.

Programmable logic

In various applications it can be advantageous if the module reacts independently to input signals or changes at the inputs. Without this option, a change at the input can only be detected by regularly querying the inputs using polling. This polling causes an increased load on the network and the computer. In order to generate this independent reaction of the module, four logic branches are provided, each with four logic inputs, a link and a logic output. This logic output can then be connected to an optocoupler/FET output or used for messages to the PC.

Power supply

The module can be supplied with the necessary operating voltage via the USB interface or externally with a voltage between 10 and 30 volts.

LCD display

The programmable LCD display enables the display of digital I/O status information or programmable user-specific data.

Connection and assembly

The connections for the power supply, like the connections for the input and output optocoupler, are routed to a 24-pin screw terminal strip. The compact housing allows use as a mobile module on the notebook and as a control module in control and mechanical engineering with simple wall mounting or uncomplicated mounting on DIN EN mounting rails.

Software, drivers, programming languages

No driver is required for the USB module EXDUL-318 for Windows® 10 or higher. The module is automatically recognized by the operating system. A driver is available for Windows&reg 7 and Windows&reg 8. A virtual COM driver is used for direct access to the module, which is supported by many high-level languages ​​such as C, C++, C# or Visual Basic.

Supported operating systems and programming languages

Microsoft Windows^®

VB.net^®, C++.net^®, C#.net^®, Labview Tutorial^®

Linux^®

C^®, C++^®