Interface Kit digitally controls 8 DPDT relay outputs.
Press Release Summary:
Intended for wide range of applications, PhidgetInterfaceKit 0/0/8 allows users to control, from any PC, 8 DPDT relay outputs that are rated at 250 Vac or 2 A, for maximum of 65 W. It has maximum switching voltage of 250 Vac and 220 Vdc, 10 µA wetting current, 10 mV voltage, and quiescent and active current consumption of 14 and 380 mA, respectively. Unit also offers 18 msec operating and releasing time and 20 contacts/minute switching speed at maximum load.
Original Press Release:
Phidgets Inc. Adds a New Product to Its Family of InterfaceKits.
The PhidgetInterfaceKit 0/0/8 allows the user to control, from a PC, 8 Double-Pole Double-Throw (DPDT) relay outputs.
CALGARY, Alberta - February 11, 2008 - Phidgets Inc., today announced the addition of a new product to its InterfaceKit family. The PhidgetInterfaceKit 0/0/8 provides 8 Relay Outputs, rated at 250VAC, or 2 Amps, for a maximum of 65 Watts. "Users can plug the PhidgetInterfaceKit 0/0/8 into their computer, and use the relay outputs to route circuits. One typical application for the 0/0/8 is the performance of automated tests and monitoring - as the large number of contacts and their suitability for switching signals makes it easy to connect test equipment into circuits." says Chester Fitchett, CEO of Phidgets.
Product Specifications
o Contact Resistance (max at 6VDC 1A): 50mOhms
o Wetting Current / Voltage:10uA / 10mV
o Switching Voltage (max AC): 250 VAC
o Switching Voltage (max DC): 220 VDC
o Switching Current (max AC/DC): 2 Amps
o Switching Power (max): 60 W, 125VA
o Digital Control Update Rate: ~125 updates / second
o Operate Time (at max load): ~18ms
o Release Time (at max load): ~18ms
o Switching Speed (at max load): 20 contacts / minute
o Recommended Terminal Wire Size: 16 - 26 AWG
o Terminal Wire Strip Length: 5 - 6mm (0.196" - 0.236")
o USB-Power Current Specification: 500mA max
o Device Quiescent Current Consumption: 14mA
o Device Active Current Consumption: 380mA max
Applications
o Switching data communication lines - USB, RS232, etc.
o Measuring resistances between various points in a circuit
o Switching a voltmeter to various points in a circuit
o Controlling a number of much larger relays, or RF relays.
o Extra pole in relay can be monitored as a switch to verify position.
o Switching power to external circuits.
Software Environment
"Unlike a lot of our competitor's products that require their users to write some firmware or proprietary code in order to use their products, we are completely "Plug and Play" says Bernard Rousseau, Director of Marketing. "With Phidgets, you plug it in and start using it and when it comes to programming, the user, not us, decides which operating system and which computer language he wants to use", added Rousseau. Users can program Phidgets using a simple yet powerful and well documented Application Programming Interface (API) that is supported under Windows (2000, XP, Vista), Windows CE, Mac OS X, and Linux. Users can write programs in Visual Basic, VB.NET, C#, C/C++, Flash/Flex, Java, Labview, Matlab, ActionScript 3.0, and Cocoa.
Phidgets also provides programming examples for all its products to help programmers write their own programs. The API Libraries as well as the examples and the documentation are available at no charge on Phidgets.com.
Pricing and Availability
The PhidgetInterfaceKit 0/0/8 is available now. The suggested resale price is $90 Canadian.
About Phidgets
Phidgets, Inc. is a technology leader in the design and manufacture of low-cost control and sensing modules connected to personal computers through the USB port. Phidgets products are ideally suited for fast prototyping. The privately held company is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Address:
Phidgets Inc.
2715A 16A Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2M 3R7
Contact:
Bernard Rousseau
Director of Marketing
Phone: 403.282.7335
Fax: 1-403-282-7332
E-mail: bernard@phidgets.com
Web Site: Phidgets.com
