Controlling a Solenoid with the NI 9485 or NI-9482

Updated Aug 27, 2019

Reported In

Hardware

  • NI-9485
  • NI-9482

Software

  • LabVIEW
  • DAQExpress

Issue Details

I am trying to decide on a relay module to operate a solenoid and want to know how the NI 9485 and NI 9482 operate

Solution

The NI 9485 and NI 9482 are designed to operate a variety of electromechanical devices. Unlike digital I/O modules that use a common power supply for the entire device, the 9485 and 9482 has channel-to-channel isolation that allows for the use of different power supplies to control separate mechanisms that may need different switching voltages and amerpages. 

The image below shows the general configuration with the "Load" being your device with the power supply being inline. When triggered through LabVIEW or DAQExpress, the 9485 flips a solid state relay to complete or remove the power from the circuit. 
 

NI 9485 Operating Schematic