Shared Ground Connection for Pneumatic Solenoid Valves

[RyanCahoon]

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,

[apalrd]

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.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

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.

[RyanCahoon]

Al and Palardy,
Thanks for the information and advice.