Digital I/O interfaces are frequently used in PC data acquisition systems for controlling processes, generating test waveforms, and communicating with peripheral devices. In digital I/O applications, the most important parameters include the number of available digital I/O channels, the data transfer rate on these channels, and the channel’s driving capability. If digital I/O is used for controlling events such as turning on or off heaters, motors, or lights, high-speed input/output is usually not necessary as these devices may not respond quickly.
Number of Channels
The number of digital input channels refers to the number of channels available for digital input.
The number of digital output channels refers to the number of channels available for digital output.
Isolated Digital I/O
Isolated digital I/O utilizes opto-isolation or magnetic isolation techniques to achieve isolation between the input and output of digital signals. There is no electrical connection between devices on either side of the isolation barrier, providing protection for sensitive electronic equipment. Additionally, devices on either side of the isolation barrier can be powered using different voltages. Generally, isolated digital I/O is used in low-speed applications.
Isolated Digital I/O usually requires an external power supply and is mainly used for controlling devices like relays and solenoid valves.
Isolated digital input is commonly applied in industrial control fields and is often used in conjunction with buttons, relays, photoelectric switches, and other devices.
High-Speed Digital I/O
