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PIC outputs driving relays directly?

S

Steve Sousa

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hello:

Has anyone used PIC outputs to drive small relays directly?
Would there be any advantage in using a driver transistor, provided the high
side of the relay is the same supply as the PIC, 5 Volts.

Thank you.
 
C

Costas Vlachos

Jan 1, 1970
0
Steve Sousa said:
Hello:

Has anyone used PIC outputs to drive small relays directly?
Would there be any advantage in using a driver transistor, provided the
high side of the relay is the same supply as the PIC, 5 Volts.

Thank you.



I've driven small reed relays directly from the PIC's outputs with no
problems. The relays were rated at 5V 20mA and had internal diodes to
suppress inductive transients from the coil at turn off. I guess it should
be OK, as long as you are within the PIC's outout current spec and always
use a diode (reverse-biased across the coil terminals).

cheers,
Costas
 
S

Steve Sousa

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hello:

Thank you both for your answers.
 
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