Sinking and Sourcing Concepts
+Tech TopicseBookeBook Landing PagesLearning ResourcesOnline OnlyProductProgrammable Control

Sinking and Sourcing Concepts

When choosing the type of input or output module for your PLC system, it is very important to have a solid understanding of sinking and sourcing concepts. Use of these terms occurs frequently in discussion of input or output circuits. It is the goal of this post to make these concepts easy to understand, so you can make the right choice the first time…
How to Connect 3-wire Sinking & Sourcing Devices to PLC Input Modules
+Tech TopicsAutomation NotebookIssue 1 – 2004Learning ResourcesNotebook IssueProductProgrammable ControlTechnical Review

How to Connect 3-wire Sinking & Sourcing Devices to PLC Input Modules

When connecting a 3-wire field device to your PLC system, it is important to have a solid understanding of sinking (NPN) and sourcing (PNP) concepts. Sinking and Sourcing First, sinking and sourcing are only associated with DC circuits. DC circuits can conduct current in one direction only. This means that it is possible to connect…