Power considerations – Campbell Scientific SDM-CD16D 16-Channel Digital Control Port Expansion Module User Manual
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SDM-CD16D 16 Channel Digital Control Port Expansion Module
3. Power Considerations
The SDM-CD16D power requirements are large compared to most Campbell 
Scientific products when driving significant loads. For many applications an 
external power supply, as shown in Figure 3, is recommended to power the 
SDM-CD16D. 
For some applications it may be convenient to use the datalogger supply to 
power the SDM-CD16D, as shown in Figure 3. For long-term applications, the 
lead-acid power supply available with Campbell Scientific dataloggers should 
be used, allowing the batteries to be float charged. Alkaline batteries are not 
recommended for long term applications. 
Connection with External Supply
Connection with Datalogger Supply
GND
EXTERNAL
9 TO 18V DC
+ –
SDM-CD16D
DATALOGGER
12V
C1
C2
C3
SDM-C1 or C1 
SDM-C2 or C2 
SDM-C3 or C3 
12V
SDM-CD16D
DATALOGGER
GND
12V
C1
C2
C3
SDM-C1 or C1 
SDM-C2 or C2 
SDM-C3 or C3 
FIGURE 3. Connection Block Diagrams
If the 21X power supply is used to power the SDM-CD16D, all 
low level analog measurements (thermocouples, pyranometers, 
thermopiles, etc.) must be made differentially. This is a result of 
slight ground potentials created along the 21X analog terminal 
strip when the 12 V supply is used to power peripherals. This 
limitation reduces the number of available analog input channels 
and may make an external supply for the SDM-CD16D essential. 
NOTE
3
