Solid-State Relay Shield for Arduino Nano I²C 8-Channel SPST Host Controller
Overview
This I²C 8-channel Solid-State relay controller was designed to function as a relay shield for Arduino Nano. Develop your own relay control firmware for specialized power switching applications, including sequencing, pulsation, duration, and toggling using our development libraries found in our Github repository. We have all the code you need to help get you started. ControlEverything.com solid-state relay controllers do not include solid-state relays, but you will have the option to purchase solid-state relays after adding this device to your shopping cart. This controller is designed specifically to fit select Crydom solid-state relays, but may be compatible other solid-state relays made by other companies.
This controller includes an on-board I²C expansion port, allowing an easy pathway to expansion for controlling more relays, reading sensors, or expanding to any I²C device we develop in the future. Up to eight MCP23008 based devices may be connected to a single I²C port. The start address of this device is set using 3 on-board jumpers.
This Solid-State relay shield is also compatible with a 418MHz Key Fob receiver (Part Number: NKFR), allowing your Arduino Nano to receive and process remote Key Fob commands up to 750 feet away. Up to 40 remote controls may be associated to the NKFR. Program your Arduino Nano to control relays in any way you can imagine through the use of a remote Key Fob. Compatible with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8-Button MS Series Key Fobs from Linx Technologies.
Technobabble:
Solid-State relays are quiet with a long operational life, and should be used in critical applications where reliability is of the most importance. Solid-State relays must be carefully chosen for your particular application. This controller hosts SPST Solid-State relays only, providing 2 connections to each relay: Common and Normally Open. When the relay switches on, the Common connection is connected to the Normally Open. External loads may be wired to be off all the time and turn on when the relay turns on. Relays are controlled using the MCP230xx Series Programmable GPIO Port Expanders from Microchip Technology. Relays are controlled by a MCP23008 using GPIO0:7. Controlling on-board relays is easy: Set GPIO0:7 as Digital Outputs. Next, set the on/off status of GPIO0:7 to activate the corresponding relays. LEDs indicate the status of on-board relays. All of these operations are handled for you when using the drivers supplied in our GitHub repository (ControlEverythingCom). Induction suppression capacitors are strongly advised for inductive switching applications (anything that generates a magnetic field). Induction suppression capacitors will prolong the life of the relays and help prevent malfunctions when switching high voltages.
This controller applies a 12VDC voltage into the gate of a Solid-State relay through a 512 Ohm resistor. This controller is safe for relays rated with a maximum 10VDC gate voltage. This controller is generally used with relays that accept a voltage range of 3-12VDC gate voltage. Solid-State Relays are subject to MINIMUM load requirements. Extremely low signals may NOT be switched by Solid-State Relays if they do not meet the minimum load requirements.
Solid-State Relays are available for AC or DC switching applications, which are NOT interchangeable. AC relays may not be used to switch DC loads, similarly, DC relays may not be used to switch AC loads. DC RELAYS ARE POLARITY SENSITIVE, AND MAY BE DAMAGED IF IMPROPERLY CONNECTED. Because our Solid-State controllers may be used with relays from other manufacturers, we do NOT label the + and - connections for DC Solid-State Relays on the circuit board. Please examine the relay and the datasheet, follow the traces printed on the bottom of the circuit board to ensure correct polarity. Some Solid-State Relays may require active forced-air cooling. Failure to apply cooling may result in permanent damage of the relay.
I envy your piece of work, thanks for all the informative articles.