What is the Difference Between a Line Driver, Open Collector, and Push-Pull Quadrature...

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What is the Difference Between a Line Driver, Open Collector, and Push-Pull Quadrature Encoders and Which One Should I Use?
Hardware: Multifunction DAQ (MIO)>>M Series Problem: I want to use a quadrature encoder with my M Series DAQ card. What is the difference between line driver, open collector, and push-pull and which one should I use? Solution: Line Driver A line driver is a sourcing output. When in the on state, a line driver will supply Vcc. In the off state, a line driver will float. Because of this, a sinking input is required for proper operation. Please refer to the table below for a simple example of a line driver. Open Collector An open collector is a sinking output. In the off state, an open collector will supply a path to ground. When in the on state, an open collector will float. For proper operation, a sourcing input is required. Please refer to the table below for a simple example of an open collector. Push-Pull A push-pull output is a combination of a line driver and an open collector. In the off state it will supply a path to ground and in the on state it will supply Vcc. Please refer to the table below for a simple example of a push-pull output.

Line Driver

Open Collector

Push-Pull

Which Type of Quadrature Encoder Should I use with my M Series card? A Push-Pull quadrature encoder is recommended, because the M Series card works best when it is constantly driven. As mentioned above, the Push-Pull configuration does not float, it is always suppling Vcc or ground, which is why it will work best with an M Series card. Related Links: Knowledgebase: How Do I Use My Quadrature Encoder with My Data Acquisition Device? Attachments:

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What is the Difference Between a Line Driver, Open Collector, and Push-Pull Quadrature... Page 2 of 2

Report Date: 03/11/2005 Last Updated: 04/01/2009 Document ID: 3JAF2BVB

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http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/0C5091E9099059BC86256FC1007947AA

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