We have just released a new controller that is aimed at very cost sensitive applications.
The CC16 is so named because it is the size of a credit card and has 16 I/O points. Each I/O can be used an an input or as an output. The 1-off price at introduction is $65 for the OEM version. Interesting features include:
- 400mA outputs, just like our other, dearer, controllers
- Protected, NPN compatible inputs
- New processor, over twice as fast as other current products
- Full multitasking
- 25K program space, equivalent to over 200K in a C-programmed controller
- Capable of working with our regular expansion boards
- ModBus
In summary, this is a full-strength industrialized controller capable of taking on serious control tasks
So how do we do it?
Well, there are naturally some compromises. Mainly, the board can't accept SPice add-on boards. That means no option to add analog. It has no RS232, so you need a special programming cable (the same one we use with the MS12). There is no timing crystal, so timing accuracy is around 2%.
Connections are via the now-familiar friction lock connectors, using 0.1in pitch. Early in 2007 we will be releasing a plug-on terminal block adapter, which will convert the power and I/O connections to screw terminals. There will also be a larger "developer's breakout board" with screw terminals, indicator LEDs and DIP switches for activating inputs. That alone will make this my second favorite board for trying out programming ideas (my favorite is still the TR601 trainer, because it has lots of onboard widgets for playing with.)
You may have noticed that this is a complete controller that costs less than one of our 16 I/O expansion boards like the XBIO16. How can this be?
There are 2 main reasons:
- The printed circuit is much smaller. The blank PCB is one of the dearest components in many of our products, so size matters;
- There are no indicator LEDs on the CC16. These cost money, and require extra resistors, assembly cost and board area.
This observation didn't pass us by! On the board you will find two 2-pin connectors and pins for two configuration jumpers. They are there to provide a handle for a simple scheme for interconnecting several CC16 boards. The initial release does not support this, but in future we intend to make it possible to connect together 1 master and 4 slave CC16 boards. Imagine an 80 I/O controller for about $350!
Comments (2)
Wow these little boards may suit a lower end fuel system without LCD. Thats a great product!
Posted by David Conroy | December 14, 2006 7:15 PM
Posted on December 14, 2006 19:15
Thank you for the mention.
Agree with taking care of Earth. Left or right we are obligated to error on the safe side.
Posted by Maurice Nygaard | December 15, 2006 2:54 AM
Posted on December 15, 2006 02:54