Brian Kraut wrote:
>
> I need to read some switch closures with PICs in a ship.  The cables
> running to the switches will run several hundred feet and will be run
> alongside AC power lines and possibly some lines to big motors.  There
> will be three PIC circuits in three different locations reading the
> switches.  They will be daisy chained.  There won't be any serial coms
> between the pics, just 11 switch lines and common.  There won't be any
> fast switching, just going to alarm contacts on doors.
>
> Any suggestions for protecting the pics and keeping noise on the lines
> from looking like switch closures?
>
> Also, should I use 5V going to the closures or bump it up to 12 or 24
> and step it down with a zeener at the pic end for better noise immunity?

Opto couplers are cheap and simple. It's highly unlikely that the LEDs
will light except when driven by the switch closures. The PIC connects
to the transistor collectors to detect the swicth change.


--
Best regards

Tony

http://www.picnpoke.com
Email sales@picnpoke.com