Global Caché Flex Link Relay & Sensor Cable (GCFLCRS) — Tech Guide

Overview

The Global Caché Flex Link Relay & Sensor Cable is an input/output cable for use with the iTach Flex. It provides relay outputs and sensor inputs for controlling and monitoring a variety of devices. Configuration is via hardware jumpers and a software API. External devices connect via push-release terminal blocks, and the enclosure can be mounted directly on a DIN rail for simple integration with external relays.

The relay outputs are fully configurable to operate as several standard relay types and can control a wide range of devices. The sensor inputs are configurable to detect contact closure as well as AC and DC voltage.

Input and Output Connector Blocks

The board provides terminal connector blocks physically grouped as relay outputs and sensor inputs. Each port within a block uses 2 terminals — for example, Port 1 uses terminals 1 and 2, Port 2 uses terminals 3 and 4. Relay ports can be configured as individual SPST relays, or logically grouped with other ports to form other common relay configurations. Input ports are individually configurable for either voltage sensing or contact closure mode.

Relay Outputs

The relay outputs can be configured (via hardware jumpers and the software API) to operate as one of three common relay types:

• SPST (Single Pole, Single Throw) — (2 relays): Each physical port functions as an individual relay, using a single port each. Port 1 uses terminals 1 & 2; Port 2 uses terminals 3 & 4.
• SPDT (Single Pole, Double Throw): Two physical relay output ports are grouped so pins 1 and 4 act as the common pole, with double throws to terminal 3 and terminal 2. Useful when two separate outputs are needed rather than simply turning a device on or off.
• DPDT (Double Pole, Double Throw): Four ports (two relay blocks) configured as a pair of linked SPDT relays that throw simultaneously.

Each relay configuration has a configurable default state, allowing relays to be set up as normally open or normally closed.

Relay Electrical Specifications

Sensors

Sensor inputs allow sensing of contact closure as well as presence of voltages between ±3V and ±24V RMS. Each terminal block provides 2 input ports (2 terminal pins per port), and each input port can be configured independently.

Voltage-Sense Configuration: Disconnect all jumpers, or store them vertically in the bottom two positions of the jumper pins. In this state, inputs read as open ('0') until a voltage is applied, at which point the indicator LEDs turn on and the inputs read as closed ('1').

Contact Closure Configuration: Place jumpers vertically on the top two pins of each column. In this configuration, inputs read as closed ('1') until contact closure occurs, at which point the input state becomes open ('0').

Sensor Input Characteristics

*For AC signals at low frequencies, the minimum input voltage becomes a function of frequency.
**These response times are for the relay/sensor board hardware detection only and do not include network and processing delays.

Manufacturer

Global Caché — 160 East California Street, PO Box 1659, Jacksonville, Oregon 97530
Phone: 541-899-4800 · Fax: 541-899-4808 · www.globalcache.com