Analog Devices has released the industry’s first Software Configurable Input/Output (I/O) product line for building control and process automation, enabling manufacturers and industrial operators to achieve greater control system flexibility while reducing their own product complexities.

Traditional control systems typically require costly and labour-intensive manual configuration, with a complex array of channel modules, analog and digital signal converters, and individually wired inputs/outputs to communicate with the machines, instruments, and sensors on the operating floor. Analog Devices AD74412R and AD74413R devices enable flexible control systems to be designed with reconfigurable module channels quickly, easily, and remotely without requiring extensive re-wiring. This drastically increases speed of implementation, flexibility, and the ability to make changes without significant cost and downtime.

The AD74412R and AD74413R are quad-channel software configurable input/output solutions for building and process control applications. The devices contain functionality for analog output, analog input, digital input, resistance temperature detector (RTD) measurements integrated and thermocouple measurements integrated into a single chip solution with a serial peripheral interface (SPI). The devices feature a 16-bit, Sigma-Delta (Σ-∆) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and four configurable, 13-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to provide four configurable input/output channels and a suite of diagnostic functions.

There are several modes related to the AD74412R and AD74413R devices. These modes are voltage output, current output, voltage input, externally powered current input, loop powered current input, external RTD measurement, digital input logic, and loop powered digital input. Both devices contain a high accuracy 2.5 V internal reference to drive the DACs and the ADC.

Click below for a brief overview of the AD74412/13R Software Configurable I/O devices capability

As Industry 4.0 emerges, manufacturers need flexible systems that can quickly and easily adapt to changing requirements, all driven by shifts in consumer behaviours and demand. Today they can no longer rely on traditional fixed, large-scaled systems designed for mass-market products that have predictable demand. Instead, flexible systems that can be reconfigured quickly with minimal downtime and capital investment are required. With Analog Devices software configurable I/O, manufacturers can more efficiently implement new projects and achieve more flexible automated control, resulting in reduced design and installation costs, as well as reduced commissioning delays.

By using software configurable I/O, manufacturers can develop a platform that replaces multiple aging fixed function I/O modules or be applied across multiple customer applications where the I/O dynamic changes with each installation. For systems traditionally reliant on control cabinets with multiple I/O modules and specified wiring for each channel type, the need for hardware diminishes as end users can now install a common single module type which is programmable from the control room, helping to decrease logistic, manufacturing and support costs. Software configurable I/O also acts as a bridge to Ethernet-based control networks, as it can further be applied to existing installations requiring updates to 10BASE-T1L industrial ethernet systems. It enables development of standardized, configurable field I/O units capable of translating between installed HART-enabled 4-20mA sensors and actuators and 10BASE-T1L or 100M Fibre backhaul.

Evaluation Boards

To assist developers, Analog Devices have also released fully featured evaluation boards that can be used to evaluate the features and capabilities of the AD74412R and AD74413R devices. These evaluation boards can be controlled via a system demonstration platform (SDP) which allows the evaluation boards to be controlled via the USB port of a PC using the free evaluation software available from Analog Devices.

Key Features

• Quad-channel software configurable input/output circuit
• Screw terminals protected to ±40 V
• Line protectors to block power from the screw terminals to supplies
• Six user configurable modes
  • Voltage input
  • Current input
  • Voltage output
  • Current output
  • Digital input
  • RTD measurement
• Internal 16-bit, Σ-∆ ADC with optional 50 Hz and 60 Hz rejection
• 13-bit monotonic DACs
• HART-compatible (AD74413R)
• Charge pump for true zero voltage output
• Internal temperature sensor, 5°C accuracy
• On-chip diagnostics including open circuit and short-circuit detection
• Robust architecture
• SPI Interface
• Available in compact 64-lead LFCSP package
• Temperature range: −40°C to +85°C

Click here for more information or to buy from Anglia Live.

Click here to download the AD74412R datasheet

Click here to download the EVAL-AD74412R Eval Board User Guide

Click here to download the AD74413R datasheet

Click here to download the EVAL-AD74413R Eval Board User Guide

Click here to download Analog Devices Executive Guide to Industry 4.0

Anglia are offering customers a FREE evaluation board and samples of the AD74412R and AD74413R Software Configurable Input/Output devices from Analog Devices, please fill in the form below to register for your FREE samples and evaluation kit now.

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