Yes, Andy.  The bipolar devices are current devices, unlike the FET devices
which are voltage devices.  The bipolar optocoupler will draw collector
current and emitter current when forward biased.  If you series a resistor
in either C or E, you can utilize the voltage drop across the resistor as
an excitation signal. If you want to pull a current through your load,
then, of course, you don't need to translate it.  Nice to talk to you.
Thanks for the comments.

----------
> From: Andy Kunz <mtdesign@FAST.NET>
> To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
> Subject: Re: optoisolator, simple explanation
> Date: Tuesday, April 28, 1998 12:16 PM
>
> > An optoisolator is a device which transfers information by means of a
beam
> >of light (usually in the infrared range) from an emitting diode to a
>
> The other thing to keep in mind is that they are current translating
> devices, not voltage.  They are based on LEDs, so the voltage on the
> photo-"base" is related to current, not voltage.
>
> Andy
>
>
> ==================================================================
> Andy Kunz - Statistical Research, Inc. - Westfield, New Jersey USA
> ==================================================================