The Difference Between Common Cathode and Common Anode Connection of Stepper Driver
First, the connections are different
Common cathode connection method: Using the common anode connection method, each segment corresponding to the cathode connection of the programmable controller and the driver's eight-segment light-emitting diode can be controlled separately.
Common anode connection method: Using the common cathode connection method, the anodes of the eight-segment light-emitting diodes of the programmable controller and driver are connected together, and each segment corresponding to the cathode can be controlled separately.
Second, the levels are different
Common cathode connection: The common cathode connection input is valid at high level and invalid at low level.
Common anode connection mode: In the common anode connection mode, the input low level is valid, and the input high level is invalid.
Third, the scope is different
Common cathode connection (PNP): Some controllers can only use common cathode connection with the driver, while others can use common cathode connection and common anode connection. For our drivers, as long as the common terminal of the driver is OPTO, then this type of driver only supports common anode connection.
Common anode connection method (NPN): All controllers can use common anode connection method with the driver.
The common cathode connection method is widely used in electrical appliances, especially household appliances, such as air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators, etc., because of its small loss on the programmable controller and its simplicity of use. However, since the input is valid when it is high and is invalid when it is low, the energy consumption is high.
The common anode connection method causes large losses to the PLC, is complicated to use, and has high manufacturing costs. However, since the input low level is valid and the input high level is invalid, the energy consumption is low and it is suitable for low energy consumption electrical equipment.
Common cathode connection method: Using the common anode connection method, each segment corresponding to the cathode connection of the programmable controller and the driver's eight-segment light-emitting diode can be controlled separately.
Common anode connection method: Using the common cathode connection method, the anodes of the eight-segment light-emitting diodes of the programmable controller and driver are connected together, and each segment corresponding to the cathode can be controlled separately.
Second, the levels are different
Common cathode connection: The common cathode connection input is valid at high level and invalid at low level.
Common anode connection mode: In the common anode connection mode, the input low level is valid, and the input high level is invalid.
Third, the scope is different
Common cathode connection (PNP): Some controllers can only use common cathode connection with the driver, while others can use common cathode connection and common anode connection. For our drivers, as long as the common terminal of the driver is OPTO, then this type of driver only supports common anode connection.
Common anode connection method (NPN): All controllers can use common anode connection method with the driver.
The common cathode connection method is widely used in electrical appliances, especially household appliances, such as air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators, etc., because of its small loss on the programmable controller and its simplicity of use. However, since the input is valid when it is high and is invalid when it is low, the energy consumption is high.
The common anode connection method causes large losses to the PLC, is complicated to use, and has high manufacturing costs. However, since the input low level is valid and the input high level is invalid, the energy consumption is low and it is suitable for low energy consumption electrical equipment.
Updated on: 31/10/2023
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