VINT Device Mode

This mode is for connecting to a VINT device. These devices differ from analog sensors because instead of just reporting 0 to 5 volts, they communicate with the VINT Hub. The communication is digital, therefore it is immune to electrical interference between the hub and the device.

Digital Input Mode

In digital input mode, the VINT Hub port can act as an active-low digital input. This mode is great for reading the state of buttons and switches.

Voltage Ratio Input Mode

In voltage ratio input mode, the VINT Hub port will read the voltage on the white wire and compare it to the voltage being supplied on the red wire. This mode will let you read any ratiometric Phidgets sensor.

Voltage Input Mode

In voltage input mode, the VINT Hub port will read the voltage on the white wire. This can be used to interface a non-ratiometric sensor, or to measure the voltage in a 5V digital circuit.

Digital Output Mode

In digital output mode, a VINT Hub port can behave like a 3.3V digital output. You could use this mode to blink an LED or switch on a MOSFET. And don't worry if you still need a 5V digital output; there are VINT modules available that provide multiple 5V digital outputs on a single VINT port.

VINT Device

A VINT Device is any Phidget that must be controlled by a VINT Hub instead of plugging directly into your computer via USB. You can find a complete list of VINT devices here.

When you double click on an VINT Device in the control panel, a window will open with controls and readouts for that specific class of Phidget. For instructions on how to use this example, find the user guide for that Phidget.

Digital Input

Using the Digital Inputs

Here are some circuit diagrams that illustrate how to connect various devices to the digital inputs on your Phidget.

Wiring a switch to a Digital Input

Connect the switch between the white and black wires of a Phidget cable, and plug the cable into a VINT port. Wiring the switch this way will make the input TRUE when the switch is closed, and FALSE when the switch is open.

Using the Control Pannel

Double-click on a Digital Input object in order to run the example:

General information about the selected object will be displayed at the top of the window. You can also experiment with the following functionality:

• This is an active-low device, therefore, it will be true when connected to ground, and false when connected to a high voltage.

For more information about Digital Inputs, take a look at the Digital Input Primer

Next Step: Finding The Addressing Information

To use Phidgets in programs other than the Control Panel, you will need to take note of the Addressing Information for the device. Continue to the Finding The Addressing Information section for more information and to get started with your own programs.

Digital Output

Using the Digital Outputs

Here are some diagrams that illustrate how to connect various devices to the digital outputs on your Phidget.

Driving an LED

Connecting an LED to a digital output is simple. Wire the anode (long side) to the white wire on the Phidget cable, and the cathode to the black wire of the Phidget cable. If you wire it backwards, the LED will not light but no harm will come to the system.

Using the Control Pannel

Double-click on a Digital Output object in order to run the example:

General information about the selected object will be displayed at the top of the window. You can also experiment with the following functionality:

• Toggle the state of the digital output by pressing the button.
• Use the Duty Cycle slider to start using pulse-width modulation. Rather than simply switching on or off, you can select a Duty Cycle to limit the power being supplied to a specific level. This allows you to control devices like a dimmer would.

For more information about Digital Outputs, check out the Digital Output Primer.

Next Step: Finding The Addressing Information

To use Phidgets in programs other than the Control Panel, you will need to take note of the Addressing Information for the device. Continue to the Finding The Addressing Information section for more information and to get started with your own programs.

Voltage Input

Using the Voltage Inputs

Here are some examples of how you can connect various devices to the voltage inputs on your Phidget:

Connect a Sensor

Connecting to a Phidget sensor is as simple as plugging it into the VINT Port with a Phidget cable.

Using the Control Pannel

Double-click on a Voltage Input object in order to run the example:

General information about the selected object will be displayed at the top of the window. You can also experiment with the following functionality:

• Modify the change trigger and/or data interval value by dragging the sliders. For more information on these settings, see the data interval/change trigger page.
• If you have an analog sensor connected that you bought from us, you can select it from the Sensor Type drop-down menu. The example will then convert the voltage into a more meaningful value based on your sensor, with units included, and display it beside the Sensor Value label. Converting voltage to a Sensor Value is not specific to this example, it is handled by the Phidget libraries, with functions you have access to when you begin developing!

For more information about Voltage Inputs, check out the Voltage Input Primer.

Next Step: Finding The Addressing Information

To use Phidgets in programs other than the Control Panel, you will need to take note of the Addressing Information for the device. Continue to the Finding The Addressing Information section for more information and to get started with your own programs.

Voltage Ratio Input

Using the Voltage Ratio Inputs

Here are some examples of how you can connect various devices to the voltage ratio inputs on your Phidget:

Connect a Sensor

Connecting to a ratiometric sensor is as simple as plugging it into the VINT Port with a Phidget cable.

Using the Control Pannel

Double-click on a Voltage Ratio Input object in order to run the example:

General information about the selected object will be displayed at the top of the window. You can also experiment with the following functionality:

• The voltage ratio is reported in Volts per Volt. For example, if the Phidget is providing 5V and the sensor is sending back 2.5V, the ratio will be 0.5V/V.
• Modify the change trigger and/or data interval value by dragging the sliders. For more information on these settings, see the data interval/change trigger page.
• If you have an analog sensor connected that you bought from us, you can select it from the Sensor Type drop-down menu. The example will then convert the voltage into a more meaningful value based on your sensor, with units included, and display it beside the Sensor Value label. Converting voltage to a Sensor Value is not specific to this example, it is handled by the Phidget libraries, with functions you have access to when you begin developing!

For more information about Voltage Ratio Inputs, check out the Voltage Ratio Input Primer.

Next Step: Finding The Addressing Information

To use Phidgets in programs other than the Control Panel, you will need to take note of the Addressing Information for the device. Continue to the Finding The Addressing Information section for more information and to get started with your own programs.