Signals & Electrical
Sourcing and sinking
Terms describing which side of a DC circuit provides or receives current.
IN ONE SENTENCE
Sourcing provides current; sinking provides the return path.
In normal English
These terms are closely connected with PNP and NPN wiring. Confusion is common because the sensor output and PLC input are described from different viewpoints.
Why would I use it?
Use the terms when checking that sensors and PLC inputs are electrically compatible.
THINK OF IT LIKE…
One side pours the current; the other side gives it somewhere to go.
Related terms
PNP, NPN, digital input
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