Digital Control Unit

The Digital Control Unit (DCU) makes it easy to use the digital output lines of an interface to control DC electrical devices.

The engaging quality of DCU projects will appeal to students who may not necessarily be drawn to engineering or computer programming. For those students wanting more, the DCU can be used to create fun, sensor-based projects such as a motion-controlled drinking fountain or an automated blood pressure cuff. The DCU connects to a Vernier interface the same way a digital sensor does; just connect it to a digital port (an LED on the DCU will provide feedback that it is properly connected).

There are two easy ways to connect your electrical device to the DCU; connect your electrical device to the DCU header pins or screw the electrical device’s wires into the DCU’s screw terminal. Once the electrical device is attached to the DCU, an external power supply, such as the LabQuest or LabPro power supply (not included), is required to power the device. Start Logger Pro and start using your DCU to run a low-cost STEM activity from simple DC electronic components.

The DCU can also be controlled using National Instruments LabVIEW for Education software. In addition, the DCU can be connected to an Arduino or NI myDAQ.