Benefits and Features

Significantly increases the number of sensors the data logger can measure

Can multiplex 16, 32, or 48 sensors

Supports many types of sensors including thermistors, potentiometers, strain gages, vibrating wires, reflectometers, and soil moisture blocks

Decreases the cost of cabling individual sensors on long wire runs

Allows a relay address to be used to go directly to a specific channel—reducing power consumption and wear on the relay switches

Electrical surge protection via gas tubes on all analog I/O, and varistors or TVS diodes on all other connections

Prevents sensor-cable damage by providing strain relief for sensor leads and independent routing for sensor shield lines

Eliminates the requirement for dc blocking capacitors for gypsum soil moisture blocks, significantly reducing sensor cost

Technical Description

Depending on sensor type, the AM16/32B can multiplex 16/32B, or48sensors. Up to six AM16/32Bs may be connected to the same data logger, depending on the number of control ports and analog inputs available.

The AM16/328 either multiplexes 16 groups of four lines (a total of 64 lines) through four common (COM) terminals. Alternatively, a manual switch setting allows the AM16/32B to multiplex 32 groups of two lines (also a total of 64 lines) through two COM terminals. A cable connects the common terminals to data logger analog inputs, excitation channels, or ground as required by the sensor. The data logger controls the multiplexer using two control ports, or one control port and one excitation channel.