Unlike optocoupled GPIO, digital GPIO actively drive the output signal high and low for significantly faster turn-on and turn-off time. Digital GPIO is not isolated and references the power supply and ground of the system. COMMON_IN and COMMON_OUT do not need to be terminated to use digital GPIO.
Refer to the documentation of the connected auxiliary equipment to ensure a compatible configuration, and remember to leave unused GPIOs disabled.
Digital Outputs (Non-Isolated)
A digital GPIO can be configured as a 24 V output and wired back into COMMON_IN or COMMON_OUT to create the necessary bias voltage to operate an optocoupled GPIO when PoE powers the system. Knowing the 100 mA total current budget per digital GPIO is essential when attaching loads to any optocoupled outputs powered this way.
Digital inputs on the devices are of the sinking (PNP) input type and do not support the less common sourcing (NPN) input configuration. Voltage above the specified threshold relative to the vision system ground must be applied for a logic high to register. Drive these inputs with a sourcing (PNP) or push-pull output.
Configuring the 5-pin M12 External Light connector to GPIO Mode makes GPIO6 through GPIO8 available for general use. Configuring the External Light connector to External Light Mode switches GPIO8 into a high current output to provide power and sets up GPIO6 and GPIO7 to control the connected light.
When a 24VDC external power supply powers the vision system, and the External Light connector is configured for External Light mode, GPIO8 operates in a bypass mode capable of shunting input power directly to high-power strobe lights. High peak currents are possible with adequate power supply capability, minimized cable losses, and observing the duty cycle limits that keep the average current in the system below 1500 mA.
