Shared Ground Connection for Pneumatic Solenoid Valves
 

Would there be any issues (ground loop, etc) with running pneumatic control lines (from the NI 9472) with a shared ground connection? I'm trying to reduce the number of wire runs to our manipulator, and hoping it wouldn't be a problem because they're relatively low-power digital signals.

Thanks,

Re: Shared Ground Connection for Pneumatic Solenoid Valves
 

On the blue solenoid breakout board, if you look carefully (or look at the schematic), the ground pins all go to the ground plane anyway, so it's kinda irrelevant electrically.

Re: Shared Ground Connection for Pneumatic Solenoid Valves
 

Ryan,
There is no rule against that. However, good electrical practice recommends that the single return wire be a larger gauge than a single valve. If you are running more than two valves, I would recommend a #18 or larger for this wire.

Re: Shared Ground Connection for Pneumatic Solenoid Valves
 

Al and Palardy,
Thanks for the information and advice.