The CCC Mini-Link is an ultra compact RS-485 I/O Interface allowing you to connect a handful of digital or analog I/O lines anywhere along your RS-485 network. Each Mini-Link comes with 3 ports that can be individually configured for 8-bit Analog In or Digital I/O. An extra input-only pin is thrown in for good measure. (Microchip’s design choice, not ours) All it takes to build a working Mini-Link interface is a 75176 (8-pins), a Mini-Link chip (8-pins), a 78L05 voltage regulator (TO-92 case), and a few filter caps for the supply voltage. The entire interface with terminal blocks is 1.8" x 1.5"!
The small size of the Mini-Link lets you locate it almost anywhere, even inside equipment. One user has a Mini-Link controlling his dehumidifier and everything fits inside the existing electrical compartment in the chassis. Another ideal application for the Mini-Link is to monitor an analog input (say temperature) and control something (say a relay) while keeping the automation controller informed of the temperature and relay status.
NOTE! The current firmware has the configuration burned in during manufacturing so you must specify the address and ADC configuration. Once the firmware is updated for the EEPROM version of this microcontroller, you will be able to set and store the configuration in EEPROM by using serial commands.
For complete information about the Mini-Link, consult the instruction manual.
