2. Introduction and Overview
2.1. Introduction
Thank You for purchasing an Intrepid Control Systems RAD-IO2 low-cost measurement and control module. The RAD-IO2 series is a low-cost measurement and control system that connects via USB to a PC or select Intrepid hardware, or it can connect to any CAN tool with the CAN-HUB.
Product Family:
RAD-IO2-TC: 8 Isolated banks, each with 1 isolated channel of K-type thermocouple
RAD-IO2-AIN: 8 Isolated banks, 1 channel per bank selectable between a high or low voltage input
RAD-IO2-AOUT: 8 Isolated analog output banks, each with 3 analog outputs per bank
RAD-IO2-PWRRLY: 8 Isolated SPDT (single pole double throw) electro-mechanical relays
RAD-IO2-DIO: 12 digital/analog inputs and 8 digital outputs
RAD-IO2-CANHUB: CAN FD interface for up 3 to 4 RAD-IO2 modules depending on the use case
Three methods to obtain data from the RAD-IO2
2.2. Package Contents
The RAD-IO2 box is designed to securely house and transport the core RAD-IO 2 Module along with its essential accessories, ensuring you have everything required for initial setup and interconnection. The specific contents you will find inside the main packaging depend slightly on the module type purchased, primarily relating to the inclusion of certain peripheral connectors.Standard Contents (Applicable to all RAD-IO2 Modules)
All RAD-IO2 module shipments include the following four critical components:
The Specified RAD-IO2 Module: This is the primary hardware unit, which may be one of several available versions (e.g., Digital I/O, Analog Input, etc.).
USB Type-A to Type-C Cable: This essential cable is provided for initial power, configuration, and data communication between the RAD-IO2 unit and a host computer (typically a PC or laptop) that uses a standard USB Type-A port.
Attachment Plates (Inter-Unit Couplers): These metal or durable plates and associated fasteners are designed to allow two or more RAD-IO2 units to be securely and solidly attached side-by-side or stacked. This provides a robust, integrated enclosure when expanding your system with multiple modules.
USB-C to USB-C Jumper Cable: This short, specialized cable is provided for linking multiple RAD-IO2 modules together in a daisy-chain configuration. This connection facilitates synchronized operation and power distribution between the modules, simplifying complex setups.
Contents Specific to the RAD-IO2 TC Module
The RAD-IO2 TC (Thermocouple) module has a distinct accessory set, containing three items specifically relevant to its functionality, which typically includes:
The specified RAD-IO2 TC Module (Item 1 from the standard list above).
USB Type-A to Type-C cable (Item 2 from the standard list above).
Attachment Plates (Item 3 from the standard list above).
Note: The TC module often utilizes specialized connectors for thermocouple wire input, and thus may not require or include the additional Phoenix connectors or 4-pin mating female connector detailed below, depending on its specific terminal block configuration. Please consult the TC module’s supplemental documentation for exact connector requirements.Contents Specific to All Other RAD-IO2 Modules
Modules other than the TC variant (such as the Digital I/O or standard Analog Input modules) include four items for device connectivity, which are the four standard components listed above, plus the addition of: Phoenix Connectors (Terminal Block Plugs) or 4-pin mating female connector see section.
The RADIO2-AIN and DIO currently use Same Sky 4-pin male terminal block connector(part number: TBP03R1-350-04BE) on the board. If you plan to make your own cable assembly, we recommend using the following female plug connector to mate with our male connector.
The following table shows all of the mating female connector options:
Manufacturer PN# |
Lock Method |
Wire Orientation |
Retention |
Manufacturer |
Purchasing Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBP03P3-350-04BE |
screws |
Front |
very strong |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P3-350-04GR |
screws |
Front |
very strong |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P1-350-04BEGY |
push button |
Front |
okay |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P1-350-04BEOR |
push button |
Front |
okay |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P1-350-04GROR |
push button |
Front |
okay |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P2-350-04BEGY |
push button |
Front |
okay |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P2-350-04BEOR |
push button |
Front |
okay |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P2-350-04GROR |
push button |
Front |
okay |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P4-350-04BE |
screws |
Top |
okay |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P4-350-04GR |
screws |
Top |
okay |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P5-350-04BE |
screws |
Bottom |
okay |
Same Sky |
|
TBP03P5-350-04GR |
screws |
Bottom |
okay |
Same Sky |
TBP03P3-350-04BE or TBP03P3-350-04GR. They use screws to lock the wires in place, and the wires are inserted from the front. We strongly recommend these two female connectors as the first and best options because their retention mating with the male header is the strongest. From the following picture, you can see that its tab extrusion has a groove on the bottom to strengthen retention.
TBP03P1-350-04BEGY or TBP03P1-350-04BEOR or TBP03P1-350-04GROR. They use a push button to lock the wires in place, and the wires are inserted from the front. Their retention is okay.
TBP03P2-350-04BEGY or TBP03P2-350-04BEOR or TBP03P2-350-04GROR. They use a push button to lock the wires in place, and the wires are inserted from the front. Besides, they have a low profile. Their retention is okay.
TBP03P4-350-04BE or TBP03P4-350-04GR. They use screws to lock the wires in place, and the wires are inserted from the top. Their retention is okay.
TBP03P5-350-04BE or TBP03P5-350-04GR. They use screws to lock the wires in place, and the wires are inserted from the bottom. Their retention is okay.
2.3. Summary of Key Features
2.3.1. RAD-IO2 Technical Specifications
Feature |
Detail |
|---|---|
Sampling Rate |
Maximum aggregate rate is 1000 samples per second (sps) across all daisy-chained modules. The maximum per-channel rate is 100 sps. Example: 24 channels will yield approximately 40 sps each. |
Power Requirements |
Can be powered by 5VDC from a PC USB port or 4.5VDC–40VDC via the RAD-IO2-CANHUB. |
Maximum Current Draw (per module) |
RAD-IO2-RELAY: 500 mA (with all relays active) |
RAD-IO2-AOUT: 250 mA plus a maximum of 5 mA per channel in use |
|
All other modules: Approximately 250 mA |
|
Current Supply |
RAD-IO2-CANHUB: Provides up to 1.6 Amps via the DB9 connector. |
PC USB: Approximately 500 mA (USB 2) or 900 mA (USB 3). |
|
Isolation |
2.5 kV isolation between channels and between channels and USB. |
Direct neoVI USB Support |
Currently Supported: neoVI ION, neoVI PLASMA, neoVI FIRE 2, ValueCAN 4 Industrial, RAD-Gigastar. |
Coming Soon: neoVI RED 2, neoVI FIRE 3, neoVI FIRE 3 FlexRay, neoVI FIRE 3 COMPUTE. |
|
Included Resources |
Diagnostic and calibration program, along with APIs and examples for Python, C, C++, and Java. |
Construction
Casing: Rugged Die Cast Aluminum
Dimensions: 208.8 mm x 80.0 mm x 31.9 mm (8.22” x 3.15” x 1.26”)
Weight: 500 g (1.1 lbs)









