Configure Flex I/O Ports

Flex I/O Ports

Flex I/O ports are found on the following devices:

  • IPL T SF24

  • IPL T SFI244

  • IPCP 505

Flex I/O ports can be configured in three different ways:

  • Analog in

  • Digital in

  • Digital out

Flex I/O ports allow IP Link® devices to accept an input voltage and then send out a serial command to trigger another event.  These ports can support TTL and analog signals from 0 to 24 volts, allowing a wide variety of devices to be controlled and monitored.

Analog inputs to Flex I/O ports

Flex I/O ports can be configured to receive analog voltages for use with photo sensors, level feedback, strain gauges, thermocouples, variable potentiometers and other devices.  Incoming analog voltages from 0 to 24 volts are sampled with 12-bit precision.

For example, a thermal sensor installed in an equipment rack can be connected to one of the Flex I/O inputs, and the IP Link device can be configured to send an e-mail message, turn on auxiliary cooling fans and turn off equipment if the rack temperature exceeds a specified temperature value.

Digital inputs to Flex I/O ports

Configured as digital inputs, the Flex I/O ports can connect to switches, motion sensors, moisture sensors and tally feedback.  This provides the ability to receive status from a variety of devices including projector lifts, motorized projection screens, room partition switches, and pushbuttons.

Digital outputs from Flex I/O ports

When configured as digital outputs, the Flex I/O ports can drive LEDs, 24 volt incandescent lamps, an additional external power supply, or other devices that accept a TTL input signal.  For applications that require contact closure control, the Flex I/O ports can interface with an Extron IPA T RLY4 (an IP Link accessory featuring four isolated relays).

To configure a Flex I/O port:

  1. In the IP Link Tree window, select a Flex I/O folder.  The Input/Output Configuration tab opens.

  2. Select a Flex I/O port (see below).

  3. From the Flex I/O Mode
    drop-down list in the Flex I/O Port Configuration section, select the mode for the port.  Options include:

  4. Digital Input

  5. Digital Output

  6. Analog Input

  1. In the Label/Description field, enter a unique description.

  2. In the Open Label field, enter a unique label.

  3. In the Close Label field, enter a unique label.

  1. Select the Pullup check box, if desired.  If this check box is selected, the signal line will be connected to a positive voltage through a pullup resistor which prevents the signal line from floating to an in-between state when it is not active.

  2. Select the Threshold check box, if desired.  Set the lower and upper threshold limits by clicking and dragging the associated Lower and Upper slider bars.  The Threshold option allows you to set signal levels at which the port activates and deactivates.