ER-8 relays with non-NI device

[sjhein]

I am looking to add relay outputs to a non-NI data acquisition and control device (an Agilent Technologies 35900E A/D interface). The ER-8/16 looks like exactly what I am looking for. The 35900E has 8 open-collector transistor digital outputs that I would think I can hook into an ER-8 through one of the external or the internal connectors. I know those connectors are designed to interface with specific families of NI dataq cards, but is there any reason why this wouldn't work?

Thanks,
-Scott Hein
Diablo Analytical, Inc.

[e-Cash-Money]

Hello Scott,

You are definitely correct in that the relay accessory is pretty much designed to work with our DAQ boards. You can probably get it t owkr with the Agilent device, but just to let you know, we do not support this configuration. Some things that you should consider are the actual pinout of the relay module (can be found in the user's manual), cabling issues, and power issues. For power, our DAQ boards supply a 5V line to the relay module and most of them source up to 1A of current.

I hope this helps!
E.Lee

[sjhein]

Thanks for the response. I would use an external 5V power supply for the relays, making sure it can source enough current with all relays energized. My main concern at this point is whether there would be any issues with the open-collector transistor digital outputs on the Agilent device being able to switch the relays properly.

Thanks again,
-Scott

Message Edited by sjhein on 05-27-2005 03:59 PM