Custom Electronics Module Development
AVIO Model A - I/O Module Development
Project details
A world-renowned company in the field of cryogenics, our customer found themselves in a bind when NI could no longer guarantee timely delivery of specific NI hardware due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Avazia stepped in and provided a bespoke solution that not only could meet delivery timescales, but also functioned specifically to the customer requirements.
Project challenge
Our customer had developed a system which relied heavily on the USB-6001 I/O module, produced by NI. The role of the USB-6001 in the system was to measure analog signals accurately from pressure sensors, and also to provide digital output signals to turn MOSFETs on/off, which in turn activated solenoid valves.
The main issue, which was creating cause for great concern for our customer, is that suppliers could not deliver the USB-6001 in a timely manner due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Our customer was receiving orders for their system which it looked like they may not be able to fulfil owing to having this missing I/O module.
Another issue was that the USB-6001 is unable to provide the currents necessary to drive devices such as contactors and solenoid valves directly. This meant that our customer had to rely on additional external PCBs populated with MOSFETs and associated components in order to provide the control these valves and contactors required. The USB-6001 also does not mount well in an electrical cabinet – it is much more suited to being placed on a flat surface such as a lab workbench.
Project solution
The solution was for Avazia to design a bespoke I/O module for our customer to install into their systems.
Carrying out all electronic design, schematic capture, PCB layout, mechanical design and embedded code Avazia developed this new I/O module, called the AVIO Model A, which had the following specifications:
- 4x Fully isolated 16-bit analog inputs.
- Filtered 5V sensor supply output.
- 6x Low-side outputs, capable of switching 900mA each – complete with integrated freewheeling diodes and over-current protection.
- Fully isolated USB interface.
- 24VDC supply input, protected against over-current, over-voltage and reverse connection.
- DIN rail mounting enclosure.
With Avazia as manufacturer of the AVIO Model A, our customer can rest assured that supply will no longer be an issue. Even if a component used in the design were to go obsolete, Avazia will work with the customer to design that component out quickly so as not to disrupt future supply.
The integrated low-side outputs allowed direct connection and control of all solenoid valves and contactors within the system, with no external protective diodes required as these are built into the I/O module.
The 16-bit analog inputs provide the accuracy our customer needed, and the full isolation from the digital/low-side output section of the PCB means that no noise from switching devices on/off is coupled into the analog inputs.
The AVIO Model A is built into an attractive DIN rail mount ABS enclosure, specifically machined for this purpose and so mounts perfectly on DIN rail within the system. It was completed with a set of polyester graphic overlays for a final professional touch.
The AVIO Model A is manufactured by Avazia and supplied CE and UKCA compliant. It is now a firm feature of our customers systems – being deployed reliably worldwide.
