Digital Input/Output Part 1: Basics

One feature of Cirris testers can dramatically increase the efficiency of your manufacturing process. Digital I/O allows you to automate your test process, giving you a way of incorporating lights, locks, switches, and other attachments to the tester. Using digital I/O gives test engineers a convenient way of controlling testers without direct contact.

What is Digital I/O?

Digital Input/Output (I/O) allows customization of the tester to a test process. This means different attachments can be added to the tester to make the testing process more efficient and safe. For example, the test engineer can attach a foot switch to the tester. This allows the test engineer to start tests from a distance and ensures the test engineer is out of range of any potential hazards such as high voltage.

With Digital I/O, features can be built automatically into the test process. Instead of risking human error, a bad cable could be destroyed or made unusable. This ensures the tester operator does not accidentally place a bad cable to be shipped with the good cables.

Digital I/O gives manufacturers a way to include testing as a step in the process, not as an extra task. This is because Digital I/O can allow the tester to be triggered by another part of the process. Imagine a highly automated assembly line where the tester is just part of the bigger testing process. This is possible through Digital I/O.

What features can be included through Digital I/O?

Digital I/O can be used to attach any number of different devices to your tester. These are a few examples of attachments used for safety and convenience:

• Foot switch to “Start Test” – Start a test by triggering a switch with the operator’s foot.
• Palm buttons for hipot safety – Operator must hold down two switches while a high voltage test is in progress. If either switch is release the test is aborted.
• Status lights – The results of a test are revealed through bright lights to alert the operator that the cable is good and can be shipped or bad and must be discarded.
• Device locks – A bad cable locks to the tester until an authorized user unlocks it and places it with the other bad cables.
• Audio Output – A sound plays at the end of a test signaling the cable is good or bad.

When is Digital I/O used?

Some similarities exist in shops that choose to install Digital I/O. A few of them include:

• Shops where high voltage testing is common.
• Shops with a setup where the tester has limited accessibility (for example the tester has been built into a cabinet).
• Shops where the manufacturer wants greater protection from shipping bad cables.
• Shops where the manufacturer wants a more seamless inclusion of testing into an automated process.

Which Cirris testers are Digital I/O capable?

• CH2
• 8100
• Easy-Touch Pro
• 4200
• 4250

 

Go to:

Part 2: Digital I/O Implementation by Tester

Part 3: Digtial I/O Edits through easy-wire Software

Part 4: Digtial I/O Examples