數字輸出驅動器：理解關鍵特性和挑戰

　　Digital output drivers are widely used in industrial applications for process control （PLC systems） and building automation. They also can be used anywhere a 24V DC system is used for control such as for motor control， robotics， and machinery automation.

　　At first look， the digital output driver is a simple device with only two output states： ON or OFF. On closer inspection， designers successfully replaced mechanical switches and relays providing engineers with many benefits like robust operation， low-power consumption， simplicity， smaller size， flexibility， and programmability to build automated， fault-tolerant control systems.

　　Maxim’s digital output drivers features up to 200kHz switching rates， fast and safe inductive load demagnetization， open load， low- and under-voltage detection， overcurrent and over-temperature protection， watchdog timer， and SPI error detection. They can withstand up to 60V power spikes， are immune to ±1kV surge pulses and up to 12kV ESD impact， and operate across a wide operating temperature range from -40°C to +125°C.

　　In this application note， we discuss how to effectively utilize different features of the MAX14912/MAX14913 output drivers. To do this， we look at the decisions a system designer must take and look at the trade-offs and benefits the MAX14912/MAX14913 provides.