Open Collector Digital Output Guide: Difference between revisions

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{{#seo:|description=Open collector digital outputs behave like a solid-state relay that switches a line to ground. Learn more here.}}
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[[Category:IntroGuide]]
==Introduction==
==Introduction==


An Open Collector Digital Output behaves similarly to a [[Solid State Relay Primer|Solid State Relay]]- by toggling the state of the output, you can switch a circuit on and off. This type of output does not supply power to the load like an ordinary [[Digital Output Primer|Digital Output]], it simply switches a powered circuit to ground.  
An Open Collector Digital Output behaves similarly to a [[Solid State Relay Guide|Solid State Relay]], by toggling the state of the output, you can switch a circuit on and off. This type of output does not supply power to the load like an ordinary digital output, it simply switches a powered circuit to ground.


==How it Works==
==How it Works==
[[File:1012_2_Digital_Outputs_1.jpg|thumb|A simplified schematic showing of a Phidgets open collector digital output.<br>[[Media:1012_2_Digital_Outputs_1.jpg|Full-Sized Image]]|link=|400px]]


[[File:1012_2_Digital_Outputs_1.jpg|thumb|A simplified schematic showing of a Phidgets open collector digital output.<br>[[Media:1012_2_Digital_Outputs_1.jpg|Full-Sized Image]]|link=|200px]]
The digital outputs require an external voltage source to supply power, and act as a switch to ground.
 
The outputs are designed to operate with DC voltage only; check the specification table for your Phidget to determine the maximum voltage it can handle.
The Digital Outputs require an external voltage source to supply power, and act as a switch to ground.
The outputs can sink up to 2A at 30V, and are designed to operate with DC voltage only.
This type of switching output is often referred to as a low-side switch.
This type of switching output is often referred to as a low-side switch.
It is common to use the Digital Outputs with electrical devices such as motors, lamps, relays, and solenoids.
It is common to use the digital outputs with electrical devices such as motors, lamps, relays, and solenoids.


When using ground terminals, it is recommended that the ground terminal located nearest the output terminal be used.
When using ground terminals, it is recommended that the ground terminal located nearest the output terminal be used.
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==Basic Use==
==Basic Use==
[[File:1012_2_Digital_Outputs_2.jpg|thumb|Switching a circuit with an open collector digital output.<br>|link=|400px]]


[[File:1012_2_Digital_Outputs_2.jpg|thumb|Switching a circuit with an open collector digital output.<br>[[Media:1012_2_Digital_Outputs_2.jpg|Full-Sized Image]]|link=|200px]]
Connect your circuit in series with the digital output, as pictured. The load could be a larger relay, a solenoid, LEDs, light bulbs, motors, etc. Check the specification table on the product page for your Phidget to ensure that the voltage required by your load does not exceed the maximum.


Connect your circuit in series with the digital output, as pictured. The load could be a larger relay, a solenoid, LEDs, light bulbs, motors, etc. The power supply should not exceed 30V DC, since this is the limit for open collector digital outputs.
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==Ground Protection==
==Ground Protection==
Ground terminals on the InterfaceKit share a common ground with USB ground. Because they are not internally isolated, these terminals will expose the USB ground potential of the PC to which they are connected.
Ground terminals on some relay boards share a common ground with USB ground. Because they are not internally isolated, these terminals will expose the USB ground potential of the PC to which they are connected.
Be sure you are completely familiar with any circuit you intend to connect to the InterfaceKit before it is connected.
Be sure you are completely familiar with any circuit you intend to connect to a relay board before it is connected.
If a reverse voltage or dangerously high potential is applied to the input or output terminals, damage to the Phidget or the PC may result.
If a reverse voltage or dangerously high potential is applied to the input or output terminals, damage to the Phidget or the computer may result.
Limit input and output voltages to 30VDC, and always observe correct polarity.
Limit input and output voltages to the maximum specified on your Phidget's specification table, and always observe correct polarity.

Latest revision as of 20:05, 26 June 2023


Introduction

An Open Collector Digital Output behaves similarly to a Solid State Relay, by toggling the state of the output, you can switch a circuit on and off. This type of output does not supply power to the load like an ordinary digital output, it simply switches a powered circuit to ground.

How it Works

A simplified schematic showing of a Phidgets open collector digital output.
Full-Sized Image

The digital outputs require an external voltage source to supply power, and act as a switch to ground. The outputs are designed to operate with DC voltage only; check the specification table for your Phidget to determine the maximum voltage it can handle. This type of switching output is often referred to as a low-side switch. It is common to use the digital outputs with electrical devices such as motors, lamps, relays, and solenoids.

When using ground terminals, it is recommended that the ground terminal located nearest the output terminal be used. If highly inductive loads are used with the Digital Outputs, the use of a clamping diode is recommended to reduce noise.


Basic Use

Switching a circuit with an open collector digital output.

Connect your circuit in series with the digital output, as pictured. The load could be a larger relay, a solenoid, LEDs, light bulbs, motors, etc. Check the specification table on the product page for your Phidget to ensure that the voltage required by your load does not exceed the maximum.


Ground Protection

Ground terminals on some relay boards share a common ground with USB ground. Because they are not internally isolated, these terminals will expose the USB ground potential of the PC to which they are connected. Be sure you are completely familiar with any circuit you intend to connect to a relay board before it is connected. If a reverse voltage or dangerously high potential is applied to the input or output terminals, damage to the Phidget or the computer may result. Limit input and output voltages to the maximum specified on your Phidget's specification table, and always observe correct polarity.