An input/output expander is an electronic tool that offers a developer the strength of establishing additional input/output features on a microcontroller unit (MCU) and microprocessors unit (MPU) systems. They have a productive data bus interface, which lowers the MPU or MCU's I/O requirements. I/O expanders can be connected to a single port, allowing multiple devices to be connected to the computer.
Types of I/O Expanders:
Primarily there are two types of I/O expanders:
- Internal I/O Expanders
- External I/O Expanders
Internal I/O Expanders
Internal I/O expanders are electronic devices internally connected to the computer, commonly on the motherboard. The only part visible to the user is the expansion slot that resides in the ports to which more devices can be connected.
External I/O Expanders
This type of I/O expanders are frequently called splitters; if they are not part of the architecture of the computer system. The external expander is attached to an existing port establishing numerous spots to connect with the device.
Advantages of I/O Expanders:
These devices act as a junction providing more connection ports using a single port of the (MPU) or (MCU) or other similar machines, intending to expand the capacity of connections by providing multiple connecting ports for more peripherals devices to connect to a computer.
Additional Features
- Enhances Connecting Facility
- Portable
- Available in Different Sizes and Shapes
- Get multiple connections utilizing a single USB port or expansion slot
- Reliable and Easy to use
- Easily Affordable
- Shapes and sizes vary according to the needs
Application areas of input/output (I/O) expanders:
A variety of electronic devices supports I/O expanders to enhance connectivity measures; these devices include,
- Computers, both Laptops and Desktops
- Digital video recorders (DVRs) or Network video recorders (NVRs)
- General and special-purpose machines
- LED Televisions etc.
- Multimedia projectors
