8-Channel High-Power Relay Controller with I2C Interface

This I2C 8-channel high-power relay controller offers a cross-platform solution with unmatched compatibility and expansion capabilities.  Compatible with every IoT technology that supports I2C communications, this is the most versatile relay controller we have ever manufactured.  All NCD I2C relay controllers have a I2C output, allowing you to chain together more relay controllers, a vast array of sensors, current monitors, PWM drivers, and much more.  The expansion abilities of this relay board are unmatched by any other manufacturer in the world.  On-board relays are ideally suited for control of high power loads up to an absolute maximum 30 Amps at 240VAC, depending on relay chosen during purchase.  This design is suitable for some mildly inductive loads when used with external induction suppression capacitors, but focuses primarily on resistive load switching.  This controller includes 20-Amp SPDT or 30-Amp SPST relays, customized when added to your shopping cart.

This controller is based on the MCP23008, a common I2C interface chip for GPIO applications.  In this design, the GPIO port is used to control the on-board SPDT relays.  Three on-board address jumpers allow up to 8 similar devices (based on the MCP23008 or MCP23017) to be chained to the same I2C bus for individual control.  On-board status LEDs display the on/off status of each relay.  This controller may be powered using our optional power supply or with 12VDC and direct screw terminal connection of bare power wires.

What is the NCD I2C Interface?

NCD is the creator of plug and play modular hardware using the NCD I2C Interface connector standard.  NCD I2C devices allow you to chain together several devices on the I2C bus, and communicate to each device individually at high speed (subject to the limitations of I2C).  The NCD I2C Interface uses a standard 4-Pin I2C Input and I2C Output connector.  NCD I2C devices communicate 5V I2C data and provides 5V DC power through this connector.  NCD I2C devices use standard I2C communications for all data transport, which is supported by nearly every microcontroller in production today.  The NCD I2C Interface is strictly a 5V standard, which is ideal for transport across longer cables.  NCD I2C devices always include a 6″ (152mm) 4-conductor I2C cable.  NCD I2C Mini Modules always include a 3″ (76mm) 4-conductor I2C cable.  Cables and connectors are available separately for designers who would like to include their own NCD I2C Interface into their designs.

Plug and Play Connectivity

NCD I2C devices will plug in to any available NCD I2C Output.  This includes just about everything we make in the NCD IoT Category, including all NCD IoT devices.  We also manufacture a wide range of I2C adapters that make it easy to plug NCD I2C Devices directly into most computing platforms.  The NCD I2C Interface adapters are available for Arduino, Banana Pi, BeagleBone, Bluz, C.H.I.P., ESP8266, Onion Omega, Particle Photon and Electron, PyCom, Raspberry Pi, 2, 3, and Zero, and Windows.  We are always working to add new platform support for NCD I2C devices.  NCD I2C Interface devices are compatible with just about everything in the microcontroller industry.

Unlimited I2C Expansion

Based on our plug-and-play I2C interface standard, all NCD I2C devices are equipped with a I2C output port, making it easy to expand to a wide variety of sensors, current monitors, relay controllers, PWM controllers, and much more!  We are always designing new expansions for our modular plug-and-play I2C framework.  We are dedicated to building a product line of interconnected devices to simplify all forms of automation.  Re-use or upgrade your hardware in seconds by selecting the modules that best fit your needs, and chaining them together using the included I2C expansion cables!

Powering NCD I2C Interface Devices

Some NCD I2C devices require a external power supply, others may be powered through the 4-Pin I2C bus connector at 5VDC, and other devices are jumper selectable between external and I2C bus power.  All I2C mini modules are powered through the 5V I2C bus connector, greatly simplifying connectivity.

20-Amp SPDT Relay Option

This controller is available with a 20-Amp relay option, allowing control of high-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 20 Amps. Ideal for high-power switching applications, this relay should never be used for low-power signals. The 20-Amp relay is of the SPDT variety, which provides Common (C), Normally Open (NO), and Normally Closed (NC) connections. Common is connected to NC when the relay is off. Common disconnects from NC and connects to NO when the relay is activated. This relay uses .250″ Quick Connect terminals (optional accessory) to connect to the top side of the relay. The relay is molded with COM, NC, and NO markings into the plastic.

30-Amp SPST Relay Option

This controller is available with a 30-Amp relay option, allowing control of high-power loads up to an absolute maximum of 240VAC at 30 Amps.  Ideal for high-power switching applications, this relay should never be used for low-power signals.  The 30-Amp relay is of the SPST variety, which provides Common (C) and Normally Open (NO) connections.  Common has no connection when the relay is off.  Common connects to NO when the relay is activated.  This relay uses .250″ Quick Connect terminals (optional accessory) to connect to the top side of the relay.  The relay is molded with COM, NO markings into the plastic.

Features

• 8-Channel High-Power Relay Controller with I2C Interface
• Ideal for use with PC using Windows 8/10 via USB
• Compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Onion, PyCom
• MCP23008 I2C Controlled Mechanical SPDT Relays
• Available with 20-Amp SPDT or 30-Amp SPST Relays
• I2C Output Port for Adding Sensors, Controllers, or More Relays
• Wireless Remote Operation with Key Fob Expansion Option
• Example Libraries Available on GitHub