Driving a 5V relay with NI USB 6216/6218

[JackAttack]

Hello,

I was wondering if it could be possible to use a 5V relay to switch 24V to a solenoid using either USB 6126 or 6218. I'm using a A5W-K relay, so the ~5V ~50mA digital output to me should be enough. So could I just plug the relay coil to the digital output and ground, and control the relay switch via LabVIEW this way? Or do I need to place a transistor or an octo-coupler in between?

I have both 6216 and 6218 at my disposal so a solution with either of those would be most preferable.

Here is a link to the relay datasheet.

Br,

Jack

[JLaenens]

Hi Jack,

I hope your problem is solved in the meantime. In case you are still looking for an answer then you could just use the relay to switch the solenoid on or off as it can switch up to 220V.
There is no need for a transistor or octocoupler in between.

Best regards,

Jonas

[JBizzle]

Hi Jack,

If you're just operating one and it's a quick project, you will most likely be able to operate the relay straight from the 6216/18 USB-DAQ.  Note, however, that the 50mA limit is for all of the pins, not each one.

For a more robust circuit, I would probably put in a simple resistor-BJT-diode circuit to drive the relay just to make sure it drives properly 100% of the time.

Just my $0.02