Would this work for ULN2803?

[pixeldigger]

I'm trying to learn PCBexpress, and maybe design something at the same time.

can anyone look at this and tell me what's good or bad in my layout.

The intent is to solder the 50 pin wires into the holes next to the ULN input.

[Jeff Millard]

Mike,
Here's the one I laid out for my 24 channel cards. Similar idea. Just something to give you ideas...
Jeff

[pixeldigger]

Nice.

I actually designed one with the 50 pin header on the board, but decided I liked the hardwired option, and mount a cable connection on the outside of my box.

I may go back to the connector though, and make up a short cable from the board to the box face.

[Jeff Millard]

These were meant to plug directly into the card, which is why the RJ45 connectors face the way they do. I intended to have 4 of them etched, then I got a good deal on a 96 channel DIO card. That's why I modded Brian's board to hold me over. That whole conglomeration might be for sale soon... I haven't decided yet.
Jeff
PS I hope I didn't hijack your topic... Andy (AI) once suggested a different chip to invert the outputs of the DIO cards. Due to the fact that we use the (H) version of the card we have enough current to drive all the optos. A simple inverter might be a cheaper route.

[synnie]

Hi guys, i am using 2 NI PCI DIO96 cards, both are the low output (2.5mA) cards. I made up my own buffer cards to suit, using cat5 cable to go to breakout boards and 4 strand alarm cable to go to the 5 pin DIN connectors.That way i could use a shielded 4+1 cable to go to SSR's or a plain 4 strand alarm cable to run direct to my LED strings (140mA per string) The one thing i didnt do when i made all the buffer cards up was i never used pin 9 on the output side, but never had an ounce of trouble with any of the ULN's (except when i hooked the wrong cable up to a couple of them...smokin' ) I soldered all the cables in mainly because it was all contained within an enclosure, but if i was able to hook the 50pin DIO cables directly to the board it wouldve made life a lot easier. Is there a different chip which can be used?

Im also trying to find a way of making a stand alone controller for 16 or 32 channels if anyone knows how it can be done. Not electronically minded in what parts i need but can solder and follow directions easily, so making something is easy... guess i can honestly say that 50% of us on here are that way inclined.......

Synnie