What Does Tie Pin 1 High to Enable the Output Mean in Electronics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phrase "tie pin 1 high to enable the output" in the context of electronics, specifically regarding the connection of a pin in a circuit design. Participants explore the implications of this instruction, including the meaning of "high" and its relation to voltage levels, as well as best practices for implementing this in a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA).

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, new to engineering, seeks clarification on whether "high" refers to the +5V supply or requires a pullup resistor.
  • Another participant confirms that "tie high" means to connect the pin to the supply rail, suggesting a pullup resistor as a better practice for testing purposes.
  • A different participant reiterates that the pin should be connected to the high supply, indicating that the output will only function if this connection is made, and mentions the concept of a "tri-state buffer."
  • One participant notes that "high" could refer to a positive supply or another logic signal that remains high.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interpretation of "tie high" as connecting to a positive voltage, but there are variations in the specifics of implementation, such as whether to use a direct connection or a resistor. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best practice, as different approaches are suggested.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference the importance of checking the component's datasheet for specific details regarding voltage levels and input specifications, indicating that assumptions may vary based on the component in question.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals involved in electronics design, particularly those new to engineering or working on printed circuit board assemblies, may find this discussion relevant.

New Kid
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Enabling the output?
Hello,

I am new to engineering first year! I was wondering what "Tie pin 1 high to enable the output" My boss asked me to look at a crystal and asked me to do a small PCBA in PCB Express, but I am not sure what "high" is, is "high" tied to the +5V supply or is he asking for me to drop a pullup resistor? I would ask him again he is out on a honeymoon. Anything will help... Thanks!
 
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Welcome to PF. :smile:

Yes, "tie high" means to pull the input up to the supply rail. If the part is running off of 5V and GND, then pull that pin up to 5V. You can tie it directly to 5V with a trace, but a better practice is to pull it up through a medium-size resistor (10k-40k-ish). That allows testing of the enable/disable function in manufacturing, at the cost of one resistor. Your Manufacturing Engineering Department may have "Design for Manufacturability Rules" that will dictate whether you tie directly with a trace or through a resistor.

Always check the part's datasheet to be sure you understand the allowed supply voltages, input current specs, etc. Have fun learning!
 
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It means to connect that pin to the high supply, which it sounds like is +5V in your case. It probably doesn't matter whether you connect it to the high supply directly (with a wire), or whether you connect it through a resistor. Do you have the datasheet for the component you are working with? It might have some info. The chip is probably designed so that you have to connect this pin to the high supply in order for the outputs to drive out data, this is what "to enable the output" means. This is often called 'Output enable", and an output using this is called a "tri-state buffer". See this link for example:
https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/logic/logic_9.html
 
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(Great minds think alike) :wink:
 
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Interesting! Makes sense. since this is my first board spin I am anxious to get his done! Thanks for your assistance!
 
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New Kid said:
"Tie pin 1 high to enable the output"
That statement refers an input logic signal that needs to be connected to a high = positive logical 1, to enable the outputs. That could be a positive supply, or it could be to some other logic signal that remains high = 1.
 

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