Post by thread:Re[2]: Tie outputs together? ... and more

PICs will sink better than source current for the same reason that N-channel MOSFETs perform better than P-Channel MOSFETs (electrons have much better mobility in Si than holes) We rate the output stages to do +-25mA, but in fact the parts stay cooler and have more 'headroom' if you're sinking current. -Kurt Kuhlmann ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: Re: Tie outputs together? ... and more Author: Clyde Smith-Stubbs <spam_OUTclydeTakeThisOuTHTSOFT.COM> at Internet_Exchange Date: 4/8/97 6:41 AM Thus spake Gustaf Tham (.....gthamKILLspam@spam@LIDKOPING.MAIL.TELIA.COM): > 1. I need more than 25mA. I know it works to tie outputs > together, but is it safe, as long as the specified max > current of the port is not exceeded? I have a feeling > it's frowned upon. I measured the short-circuit current It's safe. Indeed, providing you respect all limits, it's recommended in some circumstances. > 2. Isn't sinking slightly better/more efficient than > sourcing? It used to be :-) With TTL and NMOS logic, the output drivers are not symmetrical, and pull-down capabilities are much greater than pull-up. With CMOS this is not true unless specifically designed that way. Check the specs for the chip - look at the maximum sink and source currents for a pin, and the output voltage at a specific current. Generally speaking you will find no significant difference for CMOS chips like the PIC. There are some outputs that are open-drain, and therefore can't pull up at all. There are also some CMOS chips around that are designed with better pull-down capability but that's unusual. > 3. Is a PIC likely to die from things like a momentary > short-circuit of an output, like during measuring? No, not likely. There will be some limiting time after which you will damage the chip if excessive current is being sourced or sunk - what it is is hard to say, but a few seconds won't usually kill the chip - but if it does, don't blame me! > Thanks. I don't have a formal education in this field, > so excuse the amateurish angle. Don't apologize. You asked clear, sensible questions, which is something to be valued. Cheers, Clyde -- Clyde Smith-Stubbs | HI-TECH Software, | Voice: +61 7 3354 2411 clydeKILLspamhtsoft.com | P.O. Box 103, Alderley, | Fax: +61 7 3354 2422 http://www.htsoft.com | QLD, 4051, AUSTRALIA. | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Download a FREE beta version of our new ANSI C compiler for the PIC microcontroller! Point your WWW browser at http://www.htsoft.com/