> Can a PIC directly drive a PNP transistor as a "high-side" switch?

Only when Vhigh_side <= PIC-Vdd.

> I has always assumed this was possible, but looking it WRT my high
> voltage issue, it would seem to put the PIC output pin at high
> voltages and probably turn on all the time via protection diodes, or
something

Yes.
The extra transistor provides a high voltage collector connection to the
base of the high side transistor.


        RM

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