I have a small electronic device that functions by receiving a 12v pulse from any source (only needs to be on for 50ms).
I'm triggering it, or sending the pulse from a computer's serial port.
Someone told me I need to use an opto-isolator so that the coil in the device can't send voltage spikes back into the serial port damaging the computer.
a. what is an opto-isolator?
b. where can i buy one online?
c. how would i wire it?
Also, if I can't get ~12v from the serial port, what are my options?
Maybe use a capacitor to store up 12v and then using another wire from the serial port to trigger the release of the capacitor or something?
I'm horrible with circuit design
programming is my thing
thanks for the help!
(oh, and the device I'm powering is this electromechanical impulse counter)
I'm triggering it, or sending the pulse from a computer's serial port.
Someone told me I need to use an opto-isolator so that the coil in the device can't send voltage spikes back into the serial port damaging the computer.
a. what is an opto-isolator?
b. where can i buy one online?
c. how would i wire it?
Also, if I can't get ~12v from the serial port, what are my options?
Maybe use a capacitor to store up 12v and then using another wire from the serial port to trigger the release of the capacitor or something?
I'm horrible with circuit design
programming is my thing
thanks for the help!
(oh, and the device I'm powering is this electromechanical impulse counter)