Diamond Systems Opal-MM

Introduction

Opal-MM is a PC/104 format digital I/O module designed for industrial applications requiring isolation between the computer and the external signals it is monitoring and controlling. This module features 8 optoisolated digital inputs and 8 relay outputs. Each input can accept both AC and DC voltages as low as 3V and as high as 24V.

AC Input Filter

An on-board input filter circuit allows the sensing of AC inputs from 40Hz to 100KHz. The presence of an appropriate AC input signal will generate a DC signal at the output that can be read by the computer. This filter circuit is selectable on a channel by channel basis.

Output Relays

The 8 relay outputs are SPDT format (form C). Each relay has 3 contacts: Common, Normally Open, and Normally Closed. For safety and reliability, all relays are at their power-off state at power-up or system reset. Each relay can switch both AC and DC voltages.

Isolation

All I/O is isolated from the PC up to 500V AC or DC. The relays have long lifetime (10,000,000 operations) and quick actuation time (5ms max operate and release). A single 40-pin I/O header is used for all I/O.

Please note: Individual input and output channels are not isolated from each other at this voltage. The isolation specification applies only between the I/O points as a group and the remainder of the circuitry. AC Input Operation

Opal-MM can monitor AC inputs as well as DC inputs. A low-pass filter is provided for each input line that can be switched on independently for each channel for AC operation. With this filter switched on, a sine wave or square wave signal with 40Hz or higher frequency and 3V to 24V peak-to-peak amplitude will appear as a steady-state DC signal to the board and can be read reliably by the user's program.

Signal Isolation

Opal-MM provides isolation on its input and output lines. The board will withstand up to 500V DC or AC difference in potential between the I/O lines and the rest of the board's circuitry. Note: This isolation specification does not apply between individual input or output channels; it applies only between the I/O lines and the board. In many applications, channel-to-channel isolation is not required; frequently the inputs or outputs all share a common line, requiring only isolation between the I/O lines as a group and the control circuitry. Please verify the configuration and isolation requirements of your application before selecting any isolated I/O board. Each input and output channel on Opal-MM is completely independent and does not share any signal trace with any other channel. Therefore, every channel is isolated from every other channel. However, the trace spacing at the I/O connector does not satisfy requirements for the 500V rating. If high isolation is required between individual channels, do not use this product. See Pearl-MM instead.

Block Diagram

Software

The industry-leading Universal Driver software is available free with all Diamond Systems I/O boards. Universal Driver provides programming support for the most popular embedded operating systems, including Linux, Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP/XP embedded, Windows CE.NET, QNX, VxWorks, and DOS. Example programs are provided for each function and each operating system to help you get started with your application development quickly.