Digital Output to Input Connection

1 BACKGROUND
For some applications it may be necessary to use a Digital Output from one DSE module to switch a Digital Input on
another. Traditionally, this would have been achieved by connecting the Digital Output to a slave relay, to make /
break the connection between the Digital Input and ground, thus activating / deactivating the Digital Input. The function
is also possible, however, without the use of a relay. A pull-down resistor is required to limit the current drawn from the
output, and ensure the voltage at the Digital Input terminal remains at a sufficient level when the Digital Output is
active. This configuration is beneficial over the relay-controlled circuit in terms of both cost and reliability; the price of
resistors is low in comparison to relays, and there are no moving parts in the new configuration lessening the
likelihood of a failure. The last point is particularly relevant to an output that may be used as a ‘heartbeat’, in which a
relay would be switching continuously. This is further detailed in the section entitled Applications, elsewhere in this
manual.

2 CONNECTIONS
The following diagram illustrates the connection of a Digital Output from one DSE module to the Digital Input of
another. A 220 Ω, 1 W resistor is required to ensure the voltage is pulled-down to the same potential as the ground
connection when the Digital Output is inactive. If the Digital Output is 24 V (the Digital Output voltage is equivalent to
the plant supply voltage to the module), then a further 220 Ω, 1 W resistor must be connected between the Digital
Output and Digital Input terminal connections, to step the voltage down to 12 V by creating a resistor network.

Author: J.Z. Page 1 of 2 056-099 ISSUE: 1

3 APPLICATIONS

NOTE: For further information on module configuration, refer to the relevant module Software Manual

NOTE: Module specific values for the voltage levels at which Digital Inputs switch between active and
inactive can be found in the relevant Operator Manual.

The following subsections detail examples of different applications which require a Digital Output from one module to
switch a Digital Input of another. The examples shown are for reference only, and as such each real-world application
must be designed to suit the system it is fitted to. Additionally, other applications than those illustrated in this
document may be required. Again, any such applications must be designed with the overall system functionality in
mind. For further assistance contact support@deepseaplc.com.

3.1 HEARTBEAT
Certain scenarios require a ‘heartbeat’ signal to be sent from one DSE module to another. This is achieved using a
Digital Output from one module as the heartbeat, connected to the Digital Input of another. The Digital Output can be
set to either Clock Pulse, or to activate dependent on the state of a flag within the module’s internal PLC. A PLC
program is then designed to switch the flag, and thus switch the Digital Output at a regular interval – a ‘heartbeat’. The
user must then determine how the heartbeat is interpreted by the module receiving the signal. This is again achieved
with the internal PLC. As an example, Auto Start Inhibit on the second controller may be active whenever the
heartbeat signal is detected.

3.2 REMOTE START

An example of a Remote Start command from one module to another is The primary module enters a Shutdown
condition. To achieve this, the Digital Output on the primary module would be set to Common Shutdown. The Digital
Input on the secondary module would then be configured as a Remote Start command, and so the Digital Output
activated by the Shutdown condition would be used to start the secondary genset. There is a further point to note for
this, and all examples using the wiring configuration illustrated in this document; by default the Digital Input will be
active when the Digital Output is inactive. Digital Input functions on DSE modules are switched to battery negative,
and as such become active when the voltage at the Digital Input terminal is close to that of battery negative. The 220
Ω, 1 W resistor fitted to the circuit ensures that the voltage at the Digital Input terminal remains close to 12 V while the
Digital Output is active, and thus the Digital Input is active when the Digital Output is inactive. In situations where the
activation of a Digital Output must activate the Digital Input, either the Digital Output or the Digital Input must be set as
De-Energise, while the other set as Energise.

3.3 CONNECTION TO A THIRD PARTY DEVICE

In addition to the connection of
one DSE module to another,
there may also be the
requirement to connect a
positive DC output from a third
party device to a Digital Input
on a DSE module. In this case
the circuitary should be wired
up in line with the diagram
below. The Digital Input must
receive close to 12 V when
‘high’, and as such care must
be taken to specify a suitable
resistor, and take into account
any other system-specific
design considerations.

056-099 ISSUE: 1 Page 2 of 2 Author: J.Z.