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
* Contact Resistance (max at 6VDC 1A): 50mOhms
* Wetting Current / Voltage:10uA / 10mV
* Switching Voltage (max AC): 250 VAC
* Switching Voltage (max DC): 220 VDC
* Switching Current (max AC/DC): 2 Amps
* Switching Power (max): 60 W, 125VA
* Digital Control Update Rate: ~125 updates / second
* Operate Time (at max load): ~18ms
* Release Time (at max load): ~18ms
* Switching Speed (at max load): 20 contacts / minute
* Recommended Terminal Wire Size: 16 - 26 AWG
* Terminal Wire Strip Length: 5 - 6mm (0.196" - 0.236")
* USB-Power Current Specification: 500mA max
* Device Quiescent Current Consumption: 14mA
* Device Active Current Consumption: 380mA max
Applications
* Switching data communication lines -- USB, RS232, etc.
* Measuring resistances between various points in a circuit
* Switching a voltmeter to various points in a circuit
* Controlling a number of much larger relays, or RF relays.
* Extra pole in relay can be monitored as a switch to verify position.
* 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 Interfade (API) that is supported under Mac OS X.
Users can write programs in C, Java, 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
(http://www.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.
