05-28-2010 09:09 AM
Hi! I'm using a USB-6221 to control an electromagnet, the basic control coming from the analog BNC output. Though it is also required that I transition the b-field from positive to negative. I was planning on doing this by flipping the direction of the current using a relay and triggering the relay using the USB-6221 as well. The rated coil voltage for my relay is 5VDC and draws close to 100mA of current. From the specification sheet the only output I can find that outputs this much power is the constant +5V output. Is there anyway to control the 5V output? If not is there anyway to get this kind of power (5VDC/100mA) from another output on the USB-6221?
05-31-2010 03:10 AM
The usual way is to use a transistor (or an optocoupler) and a free running diode to drive a coil.
If you switch the magnet and want some more cycles also think of a snubber ( R and C in series) dI/dt in coils will result in high voltages peaks !!