ZIO, Motherboard User Manual
Rev. 2.0
Zilogic Systems
Page 9
Connecting relays.
Relays are used to control a high-voltage/high-current circuit with a low-
voltage/low-current signal. A relay can be connected to the ZIO through a MOSFET as shown in the
following circuit diagram.
Isolating outputs using opto-coupler.
There are situations in which signals from one
subsystem need to be electrically isolated from another subsystem in an electrical equipment. For
example, a microcontroller operating at 5V, controls the power to a load operating at 230V AC. In
such situations, the microcontroller needs to be electrically isolated from the high voltage section,
using a opto-coupler.
Note that, though relays can also be used for this purpose, they are generally bulky, slow, unreliable,
and power hungry.
Connecting to CMOS/TTL inputs.
CMOS/TTL inputs can be directly connected to the
Output
signal. An example of shift register connected to the
Output
signals is shown in the following
circuit diagram.
Connecting Switches.
Switches can be directly connected between the
Input
and
GND
. When
the switch is pressed the
Input
signal will be low, and when the switch is released the
Input
signal will be become high due to the built-in in pull-up resistor.
