4-Channel High-Power Relay Controller + 4 GPIO with I2C Interface
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Highlights
- 4-Channel High-Power Relay Controller with I2C Interface
- 4-Channel Programmable Digital Input/Output (GPIO)
- Ideal for use with PC using Windows 8/10 via USB
- Compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Onion, PyCom
- MCP23008 I2C Controlled Mechanical SPDT Relays
- Available with 20-Amp SPDT or 30-Amp SPST Relays
- I2C Output Port for Adding Sensors, Controllers, or More Relays
- Wireless Remote Operation with Key Fob Expansion Option
- Example Libraries Available on GitHub
This I2C 4-channel high-power relay controller offers a cross-platform solution with unmatched compatibility and expansion capabilities. Compatible with every IoT technology that supports I2C communications, this is the most versatile relay controller we have ever manufactured. All NCD I2C relay controllers have a I2C output, allowing you to chain together more relay controllers, a vast array of sensors, current monitors, PWM drivers, and much more. The expansion abilities of this relay board are unmatched by any other manufacturer in the world. On-board relays are ideally suited for control of high power loads up to an absolute maximum 30 Amps at 240VAC, depending on relay chosen during purchase. This design is suitable for some mildly inductive loads when used with external induction suppression capacitors, but focuses primarily on resistive load switching. This controller includes 20-Amp SPDT or 30-Amp SPST relays, customized when added to your shopping cart.
This controller is based on the MCP23008, a common I2C interface chip for GPIO applications. In this design, the GPIO port is used to control 4 on-board SPDT relays. Four programmable Digital Input/Output port pins are also available via screw terminals for use in Contact Closure detection applications or monitor and control external TTL circuits. Three on-board address jumpers allow up to 8 similar devices (based on the MCP23008 or MCP23017) to be chained to the same I2C bus for individual control. On-board status LEDs display the on/off status of each relay. This controller may be powered using our optional power supply or with 12VDC and direct screw terminal connection of bare power wires.
nodeLynk™ Device
This is a nodeLynk device, it will require a nodeLynk Master Adapter for proper operation. nodeLynk devices plug into Master microprocessors to easily add hardware sensing and control capabilities.
What is nodeLynk?
Chain expansion devices using nodeLynk. Connect a wide variety of accessories to expand the capabilities of a nodeLynk compatible controller. Use nodeLynk to add Relay Controllers, Sensors, PWM Drivers, Displays, and a wide variety of 4-20mA, 0-10V ADCs and DACs, as well as a wide array of TTL & Isolated GPIO devices. All nodeLynk devices use I2C communications to chain devices together. nodeLynk is an easy way to expand functionality without soldering. nodeLynk allows expansion in seconds so you can focus on your software and firmware development.
What is the nodeLynk I2C Interface?
NCD is the creator of plug and play modular hardware using nodeLynk, which is hardware I2C Interface connector standard. nodeLynk I2C devices allow you to chain together several devices on the I2C bus, and communicate to each device individually at high speed (subject to the limitations of I2C). The nodeLynk I2C Interface uses a standard 4-Pin I2C Input and I2C Output connector. nodeLynk I2C devices communicate 5V I2C data and provides 5V DC power through this connector. nodeLynk I2C devices use standard I2C communications for all data transport, which is supported by nearly every microcontroller in production today. The nodeLynk I2C Interface is strictly a 5V standard, which is ideal for transport across longer cables. nodeLynk I2C devices always include a 6″ (152mm) 4-conductor I2C cable. nodeLynk I2C Mini Modules always include a 3″ (76mm) 4-conductor I2C cable. Cables and connectors are available separately for designers who would like to include their own nodeLynk I2C Interface into their designs.
Plug and Play Connectivity
nodeLynk I2C devices will plug in to any available nodeLynk I2C Output. This includes just about everything we make in the NCD IoT Category, including all NCD IoT devices. We also manufacture a wide range of I2C adapters that make it easy to plug nodeLynk I2C Devices directly into most computing platforms. nodeLynk I2C Interface adapters are available for Arduino, Banana Pi, BeagleBone, Bluz, ESP8266, Onion Omega, Particle Photon and Electron, PyCom, Raspberry Pi, 2, 3, and Zero, and Windows. We are always working to add new platform support for nodeLynk I2C devices. nodeLynk I2C Interface devices are compatible with just about everything in the microcontroller industry.
Unlimited I2C Expansion
Based on our plug-and-play I2C interface standard, all nodeLynk I2C devices are equipped with a I2C output port, making it easy to expand to a wide variety of sensors, current monitors, relay controllers, PWM controllers, and much more! We are always designing new expansions for our modular plug-and-play I2C framework. We are dedicated to building a product line of interconnected devices to simplify all forms of automation. Re-use or upgrade your hardware in seconds by selecting the modules that best fit your needs, and chaining them together using the included I2C expansion cables!
A Raspberry Pi (above) is connected to a nodeLynk Master adapter. nodeLynk devices are chained to the Raspberry Pi nodeLynk Master using I2C communications. Each nodeLynk device must have a different I2C address for proper operation of the chain. Note that some nodeLynk I2C devices have a fixed address while others allow configuration of the address across a limited range of addresses.
Powering nodeLynk I2C Interface Devices
Some nodeLynk I2C devices require a external power supply, others may be powered through the 4-Pin I2C bus connector at 5VDC, and other devices are jumper selectable between external and I2C bus power. All I2C mini modules are powered through the 5V I2C bus connector, greatly simplifying connectivity.
Associated Part Numbers
This product may have been previously manufactured using a part number shown below:
Relay Options
20-Amp SPDT High Power Relay Option
This controller is available with a 20-Amp relay option, allowing control of high-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 20 Amps. Ideal for high-power switching applications, this relay should never be used for low-power signals. The 20-Amp relay is of the SPDT variety, which provides Common (C), Normally Open (NO), and Normally Closed (NC) connections. Common is connected to NC when the relay is off. Common disconnects from NC and connects to NO when the relay is activated. This relay is Rated at 20-Amps between NO and C. Do not exceed 10-Amps between C and NC connections. This relay uses .250″ Quick Connect terminals (optional accessory) to connect to the top side of the relay. The relay is molded with COM, NC, and NO markings into the plastic. Review Datasheet
30-Amp SPST High Power Relay Option
This controller is available with a 30-Amp relay option, allowing control of high-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 30 Amps. Ideal for high-power switching applications, this relay should never be used for low-power signals. The 30-Amp relay is of the SPST variety, which provides Common (C) and Normally Open (NO) connections. Common has no connection when the relay is off. Common connects to NO when the relay is activated. This relay uses .250″ Quick Connect terminals (optional accessory) to connect to the top side of the relay. The relay is molded with COM, NO markings into the plastic. Review Datasheet
Mechanical Drawing
Wiring Diagrams
Essential
Tutorials
- Controlling Inductive Devices: Managing Induction & Electromagnetic Interference
- Introduction to Computer Controlled Relays and Switching
- Relay Logic
Datasheets
Documentation Downloads
Official Repository
Introduction to Relay Control
This video will guide you in determining which relay controller you need for your application as well as a general overview of the differences between Relay Options. If you’re new to our products or just need a refresher for a new application this is a great place to start.
Induction Suppression
Learn about Induction and how it comes into play with Relay Controllers. Induction suppression can make your Relay Control applications intermittent and unreliable. This video will show you what causes it, how to avoid it, and how to account for it in your application.
Hiph-Power Relay Controller Specifications
This table covers all NCD High-Power Relay Controllers. All ratings assume 12VDC operation at 70°F (21°C). Please note that most ratings are estimated and may be subject to periodic revision. Some ratings represent stock controller settings without performance enhancement optimizations. The estimated processing time can be impacted by background services and choice of commands. Standby power consumption assume no communications module is installed and no relays are active on the controller. Please add the power consumption of the activated relays and communications module to obtain a better estimation of power consumption.| Specifications of NCD SPDT Relay Controllers | Minimum | Nominal | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operational Voltages | 10VDC | 12VDC | 15VDC | |
| Standby Power Consumption | 35mA | 100mA | 200mA | No Active Relays, No Com Module |
| Relay Power Consumption | 28mA | 35mA | 60mA | Consumption of Each Activated Relay |
| Operational Temperature Range | -40°F (-40°C) | 70°F (21°C) | 185°F (85°C) | Theoretical Component Limits Shown |
| Storage Temperature Range | -67°F (-55°C) | 70°F (21°C) | 185°F (85°C) | Theoretical Component Limits Shown |
| Operational Ambient Air Humidity | 0% | 50% | 70% | Non-Condensing Humidity Values Shown |
| Relay Activation Time | 15ms | Component Rating Shown | ||
| Relay Deactivation Time | 10mS | Component Rating Shown | ||
| Operational Life Mechanical | 10,000,000 | Component Operation Rating | ||
| Operational Life Electrical | 100,000 | Component Rating at Maximum Load |
Integration Notes
Relays are controlled by a MCP23008 using GPIO0:3, GPIO4:7 are available for user interface via screw terminals. Controlling on-board relays is easy: Set GPIO0:3 as Digital Outputs. Next, set the on/off status of GPIO0:3 to activate the corresponding relays. LEDs indicate the status of on-board relays. All of these operations are handled for you when using the drivers supplied in our GitHub repository (ControlEverythingCom). Induction suppression capacitors are strongly advised for inductive switching applications (anything that generates a magnetic field). Induction suppression capacitors will prolong the life of the relays and help prevent malfunctions when switching high voltages.
I2C Interface Compatibility
NCD I2C Interface devices are designed to plug in to many popular IoT computing platforms. This allows the “brains” from other manufacturers to directly plug into our devices for easy plug-and-play operation. I2C interface devices use I²C as the underlying communications technology. The notes below will guide you into plugging 3rd party technologies into our devices, we will highlight any adapters that may be required in this section. Please note that all NCD I2C Interface Devices can be chained together to any other Cross-Platform I²C Slave Devices using the I²C Output. Additionally, NCD I2C devices may be plugged into the I2C Output of NCD IoT Interface devices. A complete list NCD I2C Interface adapters is available by clicking here.
Arduino Interface
- Plug this device into the Arduino Micro I2C Shield
- Plug this device into the Arduino Nano I2C Shield
- Plug this device into the Arduino Uno I2C Shield
- Plug this device into the Arduino Due I2C Shield
Banana Pi Interface
- Plug this device into the Banana Pi I2C Shield
BeagleBone Interface
- Plug this device into a BeagleBone I2C Shield
Bluz Bluetooth Interface
- Plug this device into the Bluz I2C Shield (with power)
C.H.I.P. Interface
- Plug this device into the C.H.I.P. I2C Shield
ESP8266 Interface
- Plug this device into the NodeMCU ESP8266 I2C Shield
- Plug this device into the Adafruit Huzzah ESP8266 I2C Shield
Particle Interface
- Plug this device into a Particle Photon WiFi I2C Shield
- Plug this device into a Particle Electron Cellular I2C Shield
Onion Omega 1 & 2 Interface
- Plug this device into a Onion Omega I2C Shield
PyCom Interface
- Plug this device into a PyCom WiPy, WiPy2, and LoPy I2C Shield
Raspberry Pi Interface
- Plug this device into a Raspberry Pi I²C Interface Adapter
- Plug this device into a Raspberry Pi 2/3 I²C Interface Adapter
- Plug this device into a Raspberry Pi Zero I²C Interface Adapter
Windows 8/10 PC USB Interface
- Plug this device into a USB to I2C Converter
- Plug this device into the BridgeX5 Series Controller