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I'm looking to allow two cartridges to be inserted into a slot that normally only accepts one (more specifically, Nintendo 64 cartridges). I can't just toggle the power lines to each cartridges because of backfeeding. What sort of device would I need to use to switch a large number of lines from one cartridge to another (an N-pole single throw relay)? In this case, there isn't much power passing through the lines, but in a more general sense what component would one need to actuate multiple switches in a near-simultaneous timeframe?

TreyK
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  • You could use a couple analog muxes like the 74HC4052 to do that. https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9907 – Spikee Jul 14 '13 at 01:13
  • There's a similiar question here that has a few ideas http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/58428/best-way-to-build-a-64-bit-output-multiplexer – PeterJ Jul 14 '13 at 01:17
  • Electropneumatic pipe organs often include a number of 61-pole relays (one contact for every key on the keyboard), but from what I've seen they don't usually include solenoids directly. Instead, they usually have a small electrically-operated air valve, and then a bellows-operated 61-pole switch. Pipe organs naturally have an adequate supply of slightly-pressurized air, and an electrically operated valve needs less current than a solenoid large enough to activate a 61-pole switch. Still, I think some pipe organ makers like Wicks use direct electric relays. – supercat Dec 22 '17 at 19:42
  • The Wicks parts price list doesn't list relays (either electrically or electro-pneumatically operated) but if you still need a 61-pole switch you might try contacting them. I think pipe organs generally use 24 volts, but that should be safely isolated from all the contacts. – supercat Dec 22 '17 at 19:45

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The ADG3300 is usually used as a voltage translator, but will work fine with the same voltage on both sides. Pulling the EN input low tristates the Y pins (on the inside) and pulls down the A pins (on the cartridge), virtually disconnecting the two sides from each other. A couple of power MOSFETs will allow you to control V+ and GND.

Ignacio Vazquez-Abrams
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