Mobeye CM4000 Series

Open Collector Output on Mobeye Devices – Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

The open collector output on Mobeye devices lets you switch external equipment directly from your Mobeye alarm communicator or monitoring device. This FAQ answers the questions installers and system integrators ask most often: how it works, how the Mobeye software controls it, what voltage and current are available, how to connect an external device, and where it has limits.

If you’re deciding whether the open collector output suits your installation, or you’ve run into unexpected behaviour, the answers below will point you in the right direction.

FAQs

What is an open collector output?

An open collector output is a type of switch mounted on the circuit board of a Mobeye device. It provides an output voltage that can be controlled by varying the resistance value. The output status is either grounded or floating (open circuit, disconnected).

How does the open collector output work?

The output has two states: grounded or floating. When the resistance is high, no current flows through the circuit. When the software sets the resistance to zero, the output switches.

How does the Mobeye software control the output?

The Mobeye software can set the resistance to zero — for example, following an alarm or an incoming command. This causes the output to switch.

What voltage is available on the open collector output?

There is always an output voltage present, equal to the external power supply connected to the Mobeye device — typically 12 V.

Can I power an external device from the open collector output?

Yes. An external device connected to the open collector output can use the 12 V output voltage as its input voltage, provided the current does not exceed 200 mA.

What if my device needs more than 200 mA?

Use an external relay. The open collector output drives the relay, and the relay switches the heavier load.

Does the open collector output work on all Mobeye devices?

No. The output requires an external power supply. It does not work when the Mobeye device runs on a 6 V battery.

For more detailed technical guidance, refer to our support page or the Mobeye knowledge base on our company website, where related topics are explained in depth.

Mobeye devices with open collector output

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