Signal conditioner for PCI DIO-96

[craigcaudill]

I am building a Windows XP system using a PCI DIO-96 to send output to 3-32V relays.  Output will need to travel distances of 200-300 feet.  Any recommendations on signal conditioner or other hardware to boost signal strength?  thank you

[David L.]

Hi Craig,

Since you will be sending digital signals, the distance will be a minimal factor. The signal should not degrade very much, but if it does – TTL logic only requires above 2V to recognize a ‘high’. Since our board outputs a 5V TTL high, getting at least 2V across 300ft. should not be a problem.

The card outputs a max of 2.5mA  (PCI DIO-96 Specifications, p. 37), and here is a page describing the resistance of different gauge wires. Between the two, you can calculate the voltage drop for the wire and see what the resulting voltage will be. If there is too big of a voltage drop, please use a smaller gauge wire (larger diameter) to have less resistance and less voltage drop.