Powerful and inexpensive, the Raspberry Pi Zero is an ideal embedded control board. However, there are are a few limitations for real-world usage which are addressed by open industry’s Raspberry Pi PiIO DIO HZ digital IO device.
First, this PCB directly interfaces with 4 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs. These are linked to the Pi’s GPIO pins, and allow them to work with an impressive range of 2-24V. The outputs are capable of supplying .5A each, making them much more robust than the Pi’s standard output in the 10 mA range. Boards can be purchased with an onboard 1A DCDC power supply, allowing it to run directly off of a 24V input, or a 12V battery.
The device features screw terminals for easy wiring, and there’s even a DIN rail option on the horizon if that fits into your setup. Standard mounting hardware is included, and spacers are available that give it 8mm extra vertical clearance. In this configuration, it sits 20mm on top of the Pi Zero. More info and setup instructions are linked on the product page.
For another Raspberry Pi screw terminal option, we featured the Pi-EzConnect here, or if the Arduino Nano is more your style, the Grounduino might be of interest.
