Electrical and Hardware Concepts
Electrical and Hardware Concepts
Relay
A remotely controlled, electromechanical switch. Its job is to physically open and close an electrical circuit (e.g., turn a 230V light on and off) in response to a low-voltage control signal from the controller's processor. It's the heart of every output (OUT) on a boneIO device.
Digital Input
The "sense" of the controller. A port (e.g., IN01) where you connect a wall switch or a sensor. It registers two states: low (no signal) and high (signal present), informing the processor that a button has been pressed.
Ground-controlled (GND)
This is the most common and recommended method for controlling digital inputs on boneIO devices. Activating an input (e.g., by pressing a button) involves connecting the input pin (IN) to the power supply's ground (GND). The device's processor detects this drop in potential as an active signal. This method is very safe and resistant to electrical interference.
Plus-controlled (+VCC)
An alternative control method. In this case, activating an input involves applying the positive supply voltage (e.g., +12V or +24V, depending on the power supply model) to the input pin (IN). The input is active when a high-potential current flows through it.
Momentary Switch (Bell-Press)
A push-button that returns to its original position after being pressed (like a doorbell). This is the recommended type of switch for use with boneIO because it allows the software to recognize single-clicks, double-clicks, and long-presses.
Bistable Switch (Latching/Toggle)
A traditional ON/OFF light switch that has two stable positions. Using it with boneIO is possible but limits its functionality to a simple on/off action.
Star Topology
A wiring method where each point (lamp, switch) is connected by a separate cable directly to a central location—the electrical cabinet where the controller is located. This is required for boneIO to function correctly.
Bus Topology
A wiring method where devices (e.g., for Modbus communication) are connected sequentially in a daisy-chain fashion, from one device to the next, using a single continuous cable.
DIN Rail
A standardized metal mounting rail used in electrical cabinets worldwide. All main boneIO modules are designed to be mounted on a DIN rail.