If a sensor output is described as sourcing, what does this imply about the location of the supply relative to the load?

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Multiple Choice

If a sensor output is described as sourcing, what does this imply about the location of the supply relative to the load?

Sourcing means the sensor acts as a current source for the load, with the supply located at the sensor side. When active, the sensor provides current to the load, and the load completes the circuit by returning to ground. In other words, the positive supply is at the sensor, the load sits between the sensor output and ground, and current flows from the sensor through the load to ground. This is why the correct description is that the sensor provides current to the load and the load returns to ground. The other ideas describe sinking behavior, a ground-filled signal line, or an irrelevant PLC disconnection, which don’t match how sourcing outputs operate.

Sourcing means the sensor acts as a current source for the load, with the supply located at the sensor side. When active, the sensor provides current to the load, and the load completes the circuit by returning to ground. In other words, the positive supply is at the sensor, the load sits between the sensor output and ground, and current flows from the sensor through the load to ground. This is why the correct description is that the sensor provides current to the load and the load returns to ground. The other ideas describe sinking behavior, a ground-filled signal line, or an irrelevant PLC disconnection, which don’t match how sourcing outputs operate.

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