Frequently Asked Questions

General / Getting Started with I/O

Industrial I/O (Input/Output) allows a computer to interface with real-world signals such as switches, sensors, relays, and analog voltages. It is commonly used in automation, test systems, data acquisition, and machine control applications.

Start by identifying:

  • Signal type (digital or analog)

  • Voltage levels (TTL, 5V, 12V, 24V)

  • Number of channels

  • Interface (USB, PCIe, Ethernet, M.2)

ACCES offers a wide range of solutions, and our applications engineers can help match the right product to your requirements.

Digital I/O handles ON/OFF signals (0 or 1), while analog I/O measures or outputs continuous values such as voltage or current. Digital is used for control; analog is used for measurement and precision output.

Our products are used in:

  • Aerospace and defense

  • Manufacturing and automation

  • Energy and utilities

  • Test and measurement

  • Embedded and OEM systems

Technical / Electrical

Sinking inputs receive current, while sourcing outputs provide current. Choosing the correct type ensures compatibility with your sensors or PLC signals, especially in 24V industrial environments.

Optical isolation protects your system by electrically separating field signals from your computer. It helps prevent damage from voltage spikes, noise, and ground loops.

Yes. Many ACCES I/O products are designed specifically for industrial environments and support 12V and 24V signals with appropriate protection and isolation.

  • PCIe: Highest performance, internal systems

  • USB: Easy to use, plug-and-play

  • Ethernet: Remote/distributed systems

Each has advantages depending on your system architecture.

Installation / Use

Installation typically involves:

  1. Installing the driver/software

  2. Physically installing or connecting the device

  3. Running example/test utilities

Detailed instructions are included in each product manual.

Wiring depends on:

  • voltage level

  • sinking vs sourcing configuration

Each product manual includes wiring diagrams, and our support team can assist with specific applications.

Yes. Multiple devices can be used simultaneously, depending on system resources and interface type (USB, PCIe, Ethernet).

Software

Most ACCES products support Windows and Linux, and we provide drivers, SDKs, and example code to help you get started quickly.

 

ACCES provides support for:

  • C / C++

  • Python

  • .NET (C#, VB)

  • LabVIEW, etc (depending on product)

Software Installation Packages including Drivers, SDKs, Samples, and documentation are available on each product page under the Manuals / Software section.

Yes. Many customers integrate ACCES hardware with SCADA systems, LabVIEW, MATLAB, custom software, and other third-party platforms.

Integration

Integration typically involves:

  1. Installing drivers and SDK

  2. Using provided APIs or example code

  3. Incorporating I/O calls into your application

ACCES provides example programs to accelerate development.

Yes. ACCES I/O products can be used with PLCs and industrial control systems, depending on the signal levels, interface requirements, and wiring of the application.  All packet and register level interfaces are documented for the broadest compatibility possible.

Yes. ACCES offers embedded solutions including M.2 and Mini PCIe products for space-constrained and embedded applications.

Connections depend on the signal type, voltage, and I/O configuration. Product manuals include wiring details, and our support team can assist with application-specific questions.

Systems can often be expanded by adding additional I/O devices or modules, depending on the architecture and interface type being used.

Sales / Purchasing

Lead times vary by product and quantity. Many standard products are available quickly, while custom or high-volume orders may require additional time.

Yes. ACCES regularly provides:

  • custom firmware

  • modified hardware

  • application-specific configurations

COTS, Modified COTS, or fully custom, we are here to help!

Yes. ACCES I/O Products designs and manufactures products in the United States, ensuring quality and long-term availability.

ACCES is committed to long product lifecycles. Most products remain in production for decades, supporting long-term industrial and embedded applications.  Many of our earliest products are still being produced today, 30+ years later.

You can contact ACCES directly to speak with an applications engineer. We assist with:

  • product selection

  • integration

  • troubleshooting

  • custom solutions