Signals & Electrical
Digital output
An output that switches a device or control input between two states.
IN ONE SENTENCE
It sends a simple ON/OFF command or status.
In normal English
A PLC or sensor can use a digital output to operate a relay, lamp, valve input or another controller. The output type and current rating must suit the load.
Why would I use it?
Use it for commands and discrete status rather than continuously varying measurements.
THINK OF IT LIKE…
A control system raising or lowering a flag.
Related terms
digital input, relay, transistor output
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