Source = the device outputs current Sinks = the device pulls the current to ground.
Generally these terms are used with digital logic. To oversimplify, if the logic gate is in the high state, it has a positive voltage. If a load, such as a resistor or relay is connected to the logic gate output, the gate is said to "source current" into the load. If the logic gate is in the low state, current may be input to the gate. For example one end of a relay coil is attached to positive voltage source and the other end to the logic gate. When low, current flows from the source through the relay coil into the logic gate where the current is "sunk." Note that this explanation follows the engineering convention of positive current flow. Jack Radio Amateur N5GE wrote: > OK, I know some of you will chuckle at my question, so be gentle. > > Please tell an old timer Ham (33 yrs) what the terms SOURCE and SINK > mean. > > Thanks es 73, > > Tom, N5GE > K3 #806, K3 #1055 > XV144, XV432 > W1 and other small kits. > http://www.n5ge.com > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
