The line driver is a converter of digital signals into a differential signal. The device is mostly used for retrofitting machines equipped with encoders or linear scales with OC, PP HTL output while a motion controller requires a differential signal. The line driver helps with devices not related to measuring systems. It is necessary in situations when fast sending of 5V or 24V signals to a considerable distance in an environment filled with heavy distortion is required.

How does it work?

The fundamental task of a line driver is to change digital signals TTL/OC into a differential signal TTL. To further explain the process, it is better to explain each element separately.

• TTL digital signal

TTL digital signal, so Transistor-Transistor Logic, is made of bipolar transistors, defines digital 1 as when the signal voltage is between 1.5 and 5V, and digital 0 as when a signal voltage is between 0V and 0.7V.

• OC digital signal

OC digital signal, so Optical Carrier transmission rates, are a standardized set of specifications of transmission bandwidth for digital signals that can be carried on Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) fiber optic networks.

• Differential signal TTL

Differential signal TTL employs two complementary voltage signals to transmit one information signal (one information signal requires a pair of conductors; one carries the signal and the other carries the inverted signal).

The line driver has the exact opposite function to the line receiver, which is used to convert the differential signals TTL into digital signals TTL/OC. Matching both the systems – line driver and line receiver – allows the user to send 5V or 24V signals over long distances using the differential signal that is highly resistant to interference.