TERN controllers are designed to offer a rich array of I/O, but experienced embedded engineers know you can never have enough.
TERN’s i2x I/O expanders are intended to solve this problem once and for all by providing a low cost, simple, reliable, and nearly limitless expansion for TERN controllers.
TERN’s i2x product line adds an unprecedented degree of flexibility to your application design.
Bus Details
TERN i2x I/O expansion is designed around an i2c-compatible bus. The bus is driven by only two host TTL signals: one output line acting as clock, and one bi-directional I/O acting as data. This allows a TERN controller, with its many tens of TTL I/O lines, to control numerous buses at a single time (even better since the data line can be shared by multiple buses).
Each bus, with its integrated support for node addressing, can further support up to 16 remote node addresses used to control and communicate with remote i2x expanders.
The expanders can be addressed at a maximum rate of approximately 1 KHz; Expander I/O lines can sink up to 25 mA each, making it useful for driving LEDs, lights, or even small relays.
All remote i2x nodes must be used within 5 meters of the host controller. The i2x network consists of up to 5 physical wires: CLK, GND, 5V, DAT, INT (optional). Each i2x expander device has the same standard 5-pin header for easy wiring.
i2x Devices
Available i2x devices: LCDs, KP, D32, and R16. TERN provides
software drivers and sample programs.
i2x-LCD
TERN81S: 8 white Segment-Digits on blue background. These LCDs have a large font, are impressive looking and easy to use. The display text can be clearly see from 15 feet away.
i2x-KP
The KP is a simple user interface solution supporting a LCD display (16×2 character LCD by default, or 132×32 graphics LCD), and 8×2 dome keys occupying two i2x node addresses. The keys are covered by a blue color plastic overlay with clear windows, allowing the user to use custom key legends.
The optional graphics LCD can display standard 18×2 ASCII characters, or a range of Chinese/Japanese characters. Optional 7 solenoid drivers, 7 high
voltage inputs, and 2 mechanical relays can be installed (requires additional i2x node addresses). The KP can be powered by 9-12V unregulated DC with on-board 5V regulator or powered with a regulated 5V DC power.
i2x-D32
The very small foot-print D32 occupies four i2x node addresses, and can provide an 32 I/O lines. It also supports a character/graphics LCD. It has 14 hardware configurable high voltage I/Os, capable handling upto 30V DC.
i2x-R16
The R16 can be used for driving high voltage load, signal switching and isolation. It features 16 REED relays, occupying two i2x node addresses. Each relay has
two normal open contacts. These relays are capable of far higher switching speed when compared to standard electro-mechanical relays.
Each output is specified to support a maximum of 200 V, 1 Amp peak current, 0.5 Amp switching current; each output is also rated for up to 100 million switches.
| Item | 1 | 100 | 1000+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| TERN81S 8 Segment-Digits LCD | CALL | CALL | CALL |
| KP-C 16×2 character LCD 8×2 keys | CALL | CALL | CALL |
| KP-G 144×32 graphic LCD 8×2 keys | CALL | CALL | CALL |
| D32 32 I/O lines | CALL | CALL | CALL |
| D32-C 16×2 character LCD+16 I/Os | CALL | CALL | CALL |
| D32-C20x4 20×4 character LCD+16 I/Os | CALL | CALL | CALL |
| D32-G 144×32 graphic LCD+16 I/Os | CALL | CALL | CALL |
| R16 16 relays | CALL | CALL | CALL |
Add-on Options:
| No. | Options | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 high voltage I/O 2 relays on KP | $20 |
| 2 | i2x cable (3 ft 4 i2x connectors) | $10 |
| 3 | W40 (40 screw terminal-pin headers) | $20 |
| 4 | W20 (20 screw terminal-pin headers) | $20 |
