USB Relay Controller DIUSTOU 4 Channel Surface Mount Board

Description

Product Overview

DIUSTOU’s USB Relay Controller is a compact surface‑mount board that brings reliable relay switching to any computer‑based system. The unit features a USB Type‑A connector, silver‑plated contacts for low resistance, and a 5 V coil that delivers consistent actuation. Designed around the GD32F103C8T6 microcontroller, the board operates in automatic mode without requiring additional drivers, making it ready to use out of the box. Its firmware includes a simple command set that can be accessed through a virtual COM port, allowing developers to script relay actions in languages such as Python, C#, or Java. The board’s compact size and lightweight construction enable easy integration into a wide range of enclosure designs, from industrial control panels to hobbyist prototype cases.

Beyond basic switching, the controller incorporates opto‑coupler isolation circuitry and over‑current protection, ensuring that the low‑voltage USB side remains electrically isolated from the high‑voltage relay side. This design protects the host computer from voltage spikes and reduces electromagnetic interference, which is critical in noisy industrial environments. The relays themselves are rated for a maximum switching voltage of 250 VAC, 30 VDC and a continuous current of 10 A, covering most industrial and laboratory applications. The board’s dimensions of 2.83 × 2.8 × 1.38 inches and a weight of just 2.47 oz make it easy to mount on custom PCBs or to fit into tight enclosures where space is at a premium. The silver contact material provides low contact resistance and long life, while the surface‑mount layout simplifies soldering and reduces assembly time.

The product is identified by model number DSTA1URT20 and carries the ASIN B0D7C3M387, reflecting its presence in the serial port cards market where it currently ranks #47. Its surface‑mount design simplifies soldering onto custom printed circuit boards, while the USB interface provides plug‑and‑play connectivity for Windows 7, 8, and 10, major Linux distributions, and macOS. Detailed command sets and wiring diagrams are supplied on the product page, allowing developers to quickly script relay actions in Python, C, or any language that can open a serial USB port. The board also includes a set of TTL‑level UART pins, enabling direct integration with embedded platforms such as Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or Arduino shields for projects that require autonomous operation without a host PC. Comprehensive documentation and example code further reduce development time, making the DIUSTOU controller an attractive choice for both seasoned engineers and newcomers to hardware control.

Usage

Engineers and hobbyists alike can employ the DIUSTOU USB Relay Controller in a variety of automation scenarios, ranging from simple on/off control to complex sequencing of multiple devices. In a manufacturing line, the board can drive solenoid valves, motor starters, or safety interlocks, all triggered by software running on a supervisory PC. Because the USB connection supplies both power and data, no external power supply is required for the control logic, simplifying wiring and reducing overall system cost. The controller’s ability to handle up to four independent channels allows a single unit to replace multiple discrete relays, freeing up valuable panel space and streamlining cable management. Real‑time status feedback can be read back through the same USB link, enabling monitoring applications that log relay states for compliance reporting or troubleshooting.

The controller also fits well into test equipment where precise timing of relay activation is essential. By sending simple command strings over the virtual COM port, test scripts can open and close channels with millisecond accuracy, enabling repeatable measurements for power supplies, battery chargers, or environmental chambers. Its compatibility with Linux and macOS opens the door for open‑source projects and educational labs that need a low‑cost, reliable switching interface. For remote monitoring applications, the board can be paired with a network‑enabled gateway that forwards USB commands over Ethernet or Wi‑Fi, allowing operators to control relays from a web dashboard or mobile app. This flexibility makes the device suitable for both on‑site laboratory work and distributed field deployments.

Because the board supports TTL‑level UART pins, it can be integrated into embedded platforms such as Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or Arduino shields, extending its reach beyond traditional PC environments. In such configurations, the relays can be controlled by scripts running directly on the host device, eliminating the need for a separate computer and allowing autonomous operation in remote or battery‑powered installations. The low power consumption of the 5 V coil, combined with the board’s efficient design, makes it well suited for solar‑powered IoT gateways that require occasional actuation of pumps, lights, or alarms. This versatility enables developers to create compact, self‑contained systems that combine sensing, processing, and actuation in a single package.

Why Choose Us

DIUSTOU stands behind every unit with a permanent technical support line and a one‑year product replacement guarantee. Customers can expect responses to technical inquiries within 36 hours, and any manufacturing defects are addressed with a free replacement, ensuring minimal downtime for critical projects. This commitment to service reflects the company’s focus on long‑term reliability rather than short‑term sales, and it provides peace of mind for engineers who cannot afford unexpected hardware failures.

The board’s construction follows industrial‑grade standards, with opto‑isolated channels that protect the host computer from voltage spikes and a robust PCB layout that resists thermal stress. Combined with the use of silver contact material, the relays maintain low contact resistance over millions of cycles, delivering consistent performance in demanding environments such as factory floor monitoring, laboratory instrumentation, and outdoor weather stations. The inclusion of comprehensive documentation, example code, and a responsive support team further enhances the overall value proposition.

Key Features

• Plug‑and‑play USB connection eliminates driver installation, allowing immediate control from Windows, Linux or macOS, and supports standard virtual COM port communication for easy integration into existing software.
• Surface‑mount design with a compact 2.83 × 2.8 × 1.38 inch footprint fits easily into tight enclosures, and the low‑profile layout simplifies soldering onto custom PCBs for streamlined system integration.
• Industrial‑grade relays rated for 250 VAC/30 VDC up to 10 A provide robust switching for power‑intensive loads, ensuring reliable operation in machinery control, lighting circuits, and safety interlock applications.
• Opto‑coupler isolation and over‑current protection keep the USB host safe from high‑voltage spikes, preventing damage to the controlling computer and extending the lifespan of both devices.
• One‑year replacement warranty and 24/7 technical support provide peace of mind and rapid assistance for any issues, ensuring that customers receive prompt help and reliable service throughout the product’s lifecycle.

Integration Examples

One practical integration of the DIUSTOU USB Relay Controller is in a home automation system that manages lighting and security devices. By connecting the relay board to a Raspberry Pi running Home Assistant, each of the four channels can be assigned to a different lighting zone, such as living‑room ceiling lights, porch illumination, garage door opener, and an alarm siren. The Home Assistant automation scripts send simple serial commands to the board whenever motion is detected by a PIR sensor or when a scheduled event triggers, turning lights on at dusk and off at sunrise. Because the relays are isolated, the high‑voltage AC loads are safely switched without affecting the low‑voltage control circuitry. Users can also monitor the state of each relay through the Home Assistant dashboard, providing real‑time feedback and the ability to manually override the automated schedule from a smartphone app.

Another example targets industrial equipment monitoring, where the relay board acts as a remote switch for coolant pumps, ventilation fans, and emergency stop circuits. By interfacing the USB Relay Controller with a PLC that runs a lightweight Linux OS, the system can receive status updates from temperature and pressure sensors and automatically engage the appropriate relays to maintain safe operating conditions. For instance, if a temperature sensor reports a value above a predefined threshold, a script can command the board to close the relay that powers a cooling fan, while simultaneously logging the event to a central database. The opto‑isolated design ensures that any fault on the high‑voltage side does not propagate back to the PLC, preserving the integrity of the control system. This setup demonstrates how the controller can be deployed in harsh environments, providing reliable actuation and seamless integration with existing supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platforms.

Advanced Features

The DIUSTOU board exposes a concise command protocol that can be used over the virtual COM port to set, clear, or toggle each relay channel. Commands are ASCII‑based, such as “SET 1 ON” to activate channel one, or “GET 2” to query the status of channel two. This human‑readable format simplifies debugging and allows rapid prototyping without the need for specialized libraries. For developers who prefer binary communication, the firmware also supports a compact packet structure that reduces overhead and enables faster response times in high‑frequency switching applications. The controller can be configured to operate in either edge‑triggered or level‑triggered mode, giving flexibility for different control strategies, such as pulse‑width modulation of a load or maintaining a steady on state.

Future firmware updates can be delivered via the USB interface, allowing DIUSTOU to add new command sets or improve existing functionality without requiring hardware replacement. The board’s open‑source firmware repository provides developers with the ability to customize the relay logic, add custom timing sequences, or integrate additional sensors directly into the microcontroller’s I/O pins. Security‑conscious applications can benefit from optional password protection on the command interface, preventing unauthorized users from toggling critical relays. Moreover, the device supports batch programming, where a series of commands can be queued and executed atomically, ensuring that multi‑relay operations occur without intermediate states that could cause unsafe conditions. These extensible features make the controller adaptable to a wide range of evolving automation requirements.

Technical Specifications

The DIUSTOU USB Relay Controller conforms to the following specifications: USB Type‑A connector, surface‑mount package measuring 2.83 × 2.8 × 1.38 inches, weight 2.47 oz. Relay coil voltage 5 V DC, maximum switching voltage 250 VAC / 30 VDC, continuous current 10 A per channel. Contact material is silver, providing low resistance and high durability. Isolation is achieved via opto‑coupler circuitry with over‑current protection. The board operates in automatic mode using the GD32F103C8T6 microcontroller, and it is compatible with Windows 7/8/10, major Linux distributions, and macOS. No driver installation is required; the device appears as a standard virtual COM port. The product model number is DSTA1URT20, and it carries the ASIN B0D7C3M387.

FAQ

Can the board be used without a computer?

The USB Relay Controller can be powered directly from the USB port, but to activate the relays you need a host that can send commands. By connecting the TTL pins to a microcontroller such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi, you can control the relays programmatically without a full PC, making it suitable for embedded projects. In this mode the microcontroller issues UART commands that the board interprets, allowing autonomous operation. The USB connection can still be used for initial configuration or debugging, but the device does not require a permanent PC connection for routine switching.

What operating systems are supported?

The DIUSTOU USB Relay Controller is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, as well as most modern Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora. macOS users can also operate the device through the built‑in USB serial driver, allowing cross‑platform development. Because the board appears as a standard virtual COM port, any software that can open a serial connection can communicate with it, including Python scripts, C# applications, and Java programs. This broad compatibility ensures that developers can integrate the relay controller into existing automation workflows regardless of the host operating system.

How many relays can be controlled simultaneously?

The board provides four independent relay channels, each capable of being switched on or off independently or in coordinated groups. The USB command set allows you to address each channel separately, set its state, and query its current status. Because the relays are isolated, you can safely operate high‑voltage loads on one channel while another channel controls a low‑voltage sensor circuit. The simultaneous control of all four channels is limited only by the USB bandwidth, which is more than sufficient for typical automation tasks that require state changes on the order of milliseconds.

What warranty and support options are available?

DIUSTOU offers a one‑year replacement warranty that covers any manufacturing defects, and a dedicated technical support team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide troubleshooting assistance. Customers can submit support tickets through the online portal, and the company commits to responding within 36 hours. In addition, a comprehensive set of documentation, wiring diagrams, and example code is provided on the product page, enabling users to get started quickly. If a unit fails within the warranty period, DIUSTOU will ship a replacement at no cost, ensuring minimal disruption to your projects.