I am reading a 5‑volt sensor signal, but I need to shift this signal up so it can drive another control system that operates between 12 and 30 VDC. I am looking for a reliable level‑shifting or interface board that can sit between my HIL/mini‑HIL system and the controller under test.

I previously used an opto‑isolator board, but it has not been very reliable and causes some voltage drop. I would appreciate recommendations for development boards or interface modules that can perform this voltage‑level conversion more effectively.

 

Welcome to AAC.

I am reading a 5‑volt sensor signal, but I need to shift this signal up so it can drive another control system that operates between 12 and 30 VDC. I am looking for a reliable level‑shifting or interface board that can sit between my HIL/mini‑HIL system and the controller under test.

What sort of current are you switching, or is it just a control voltage?
Can you share a circuit diagram of your needs?

I previously used an opto‑isolator board, but it has not been very reliable and causes some voltage drop. I would appreciate recommendations for development boards or interface modules that can perform this voltage‑level conversion more effectively.

What is the sensor (or it's output characteristics).
Voltage drop?? where and why is this an issue?
Does the level shift need to be isolated or do they share a solid common ground?

 

I am reading a 5‑volt sensor signal, but I need to shift this signal up so it can drive another control system that operates between 12 and 30 VDC. I am looking for a reliable level‑shifting or interface board that can sit between my HIL/mini‑HIL system and the controller under test.

I previously used an opto‑isolator board, but it has not been very reliable and causes some voltage drop. I would appreciate recommendations for development boards or interface modules that can perform this voltage‑level conversion more effectively.

yes, we need more details..

 

I previously used an opto‑isolator board, but it has not been very reliable and causes some voltage drop. I would appreciate recommendations for development boards or interface modules that can perform this voltage‑level conversion more effectively.

Was that the Opto22 boards and modules?
I have always found these quite stable?

 

If you are switching power to a circuit based on the sensor output, a relay is likely the simplest solution.

It sounds like you tried to switch power with an opto isolator that could not handle that level of power, hence the “voltage drop.”

 

I am reading a 5‑volt sensor signal, but I need to shift this signal up so it can drive another control system that operates between 12 and 30 VDC. I am looking for a reliable level‑shifting or interface board that can sit between my HIL/mini‑HIL system and the controller under test.

I previously used an opto‑isolator board, but it has not been very reliable and causes some voltage drop. I would appreciate recommendations for development boards or interface modules that can perform this voltage‑level conversion more effectively.

You have not even mentioned if the "sensor signal" is analog or digital. My guess is Digital, or maybe not. That matters quite a bit.

 

I don't know your current circuit information, but I can recommend some design ideas: ADUM1201 / ADUM3402 (Analog Devices) — Employs magnetic iCoupler technology, extremely reliable, with 3kVrms isolation. ISO7241C (Texas Instruments) — 4-channel, 5kVrms isolation, 100Mbps transmission rate, widely used in industrial design. Using these isolators should allow for the transmission of logic signals without voltage drop.

 

I am reading a 5‑volt sensor signal, but I need to shift this signal up so it can drive another control system that operates between 12 and 30 VDC. I am looking for a reliable level‑shifting or interface board that can sit between my HIL/mini‑HIL system and the controller under test.

I previously used an opto‑isolator board, but it has not been very reliable and causes some voltage drop. I would appreciate recommendations for development boards or interface modules that can perform this voltage‑level conversion more effectively.

You don’t level-shift directly. You switch a higher voltage domain instead. Use a MOSFET or transistor driver stage.
Optocouplers often fail due to weak output drive. They also introduce voltage drop issues. Industrial designs prefer MOSFET-based switching stages. These provide clean, reliable signal translation.
Here are more details on MOSFET behavior. A logic-level MOSFET works well for 5 V control. It cleanly drives 12–30 V systems without degradation.

 

I am reading a 5‑volt sensor signal, but I need to shift this signal up so it can drive another control system that operates between 12 and 30 VDC. I am looking for a reliable level‑shifting or interface board that can sit between my HIL/mini‑HIL system and the controller under test.

I previously used an opto‑isolator board, but it has not been very reliable and causes some voltage drop. I would appreciate recommendations for development boards or interface modules that can perform this voltage‑level conversion more effectively.

There is no mention about the current capability of that "5 volt signal" , AND we have no hints about the drive requirements of the system being driven. That makes guessing a challenge.

 

No one has suggest a reed relay !
Are they not in favour now ?

 

So far we still have no hint as to the current available from the " 5‑volt sensor signal ", so I am going to suggest using an MPSA13 darlington transistor to operate a reed relay.

 

Use comparators that tolerate higher input voltages with open collector outputs. They can have different supply voltages and the open collector outputs can use voltage levels that are not related to the supply voltage of the device.

 

Drive by poster. Not seem since he posted the question a month ago.

 

Drive by poster. Not seem since he posted the question a month ago.

I suggest that others look at the poster "information", as I just did look. Then form their own opinions, as I just did.

 

I think this kind of threads just create a phenomenon I call it Forum Clutter, for lack of a better word. A thread starter that asks a question that makes no sense to anyone, and never even logs in again, DOES create problem when someone wants to navigate forums to see if the question they have, had been answered before. The search will bring you here and you spend time scrolling up and down to realize there is no bit of useful info. Maybe needs to be deleted along with the account.

 

As you can see, this useless thread popped up in the #1 place when keywords were searched

 

@vandveuser16776 At least one person thought post#12 contained a useful suggestion. Care to comment?

 

@vandveuser16776 At least one person thought post#12 contained a useful suggestion. Care to comment?

Yes, and the same person found post #2 and post #3 useful. That same person, posted #6 (You have not even mentioned if the "sensor signal" is analog or digital. My guess is Digital, or maybe not. That matters quite a bit.) In addition, other users have commented on ambiguity of the TS's question. So, if you really deciphered the TS's question and what it was pointing at, would be appreciated to enlighten us, otherwise, your answer is a "useful" answer but to some other question; not this one.