Current capability of Outputs

[windy54]

Hi,

Just received my crumble starter kit, programmed the sparkled and used the switch.

This is going to be great in my code club alongside the microbits.

I have looked through the posts and found out that the motor outputs can drive 1.5A and that they are short circuit protected.

A couple of questions on outputs A,B,C,D.
Are they short circuit protected
what is the current rating, can i connect a led for instance without a
limiting resistor.

thanks

Steve

[Helen Roberts]

Hi, Steve.

Yes: outputs A,B,C and D have a built-in series resistor to keep the current within the absolute maximum in case of short-circuit. This also means that LEDs can be connected directly. Typically, you get 10mA output.

Hope your Code Club has fun with them!

Helen.

[Dr John]

Further question on the capability of the motor outputs:
Can I connect a 1.5v single cell battery in series with the output to get a faster motor speed?
I have done this successfully with other robot designs, and therefore use a negative output to actually stop the motor.
To put it another way: Is the output driver a simple transistor bridge (like L293D) or is it a pair of amplifiers, capable of producing a low impedance output at all voltages?
I can just read the letters embossed on the chip, but can find no data on it. Thanks

[Author]

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