Overview

Overview

This stackable card provides an easy way to add 16 discrete power driver outputs controlled by I2C to an Arduino Uno/R3 (or clone). The shield is fully assembled and ready for use.

Features

• 16 Channels of Digital Power Output (1 Amp continuous)*
• External power driver source from 5 to 36 volts
• RoHS Compliant - Lead Free parts and construction
• Designed and Made in the USA - both PCB and Assembly
• Easy terminal block interfacing with discrete wires
• Uses I2C for card control - Only 2 Arduino signals required
• Programs using the WIRE library in the Arduino IDE - sample code included in user's manual
• Multi-card operation - card select jumpers and stackable Arduino connectors
• Compatible with Arduino UNO Duemilanove, UNO R3 Leonardo and 100% Arduino clone cards
• Surface mount technology (SMT) and socketed power drivers
• Output driver disable by software control for lower stand by power
• Solder pads for external blocking diodes (added power dissipation) or for user supplied status LEDs.

NOTE: There is a continuous current limit of 6 Amps for the PCB - that is due to the trace width and individual driver IC wattage limitations. User should determine current use and design accordingly. Additional heat sinking and/or a fan would be required for continuous high current operation.

The shield uses the Arduino I2C interface (also referred to as TWI, for Two Wire Interface) for operation and there are 8 addresses the card can be set to. That means you can stack 3-4 cards to add multiples of 16 power outputs without using all of the Arduino's digital pins. The shield uses only 2 pins for I2C control and 1 additional pin if you disable the drive outputs under program control. The Arduino CPU card, which is user supplied, is limited to powering about 300 milliamps - a serious limitation in applications needing drive power. The driver shield is organized as two 8-bit ports, with each port powerable from an external source. This means you could apply 12 volts for port A and 5 volts to port B (as I have done in the video). A jumper wire (on TB2, a 4-pin terminal block) allows the use of a single external voltage for both ports.

An application for the EKT-1016 would be in running a 'state machine', where a high current drive is needed on a few outputs at a time. An example would be to use the EKT-1016 shield with an Arduino UNO to control a 16 valve sprinkler system.

• A note for California customers - Please include 9 percent California Sales Tax with your purchase by selecting the California Ship-To Address Option.