So my problem is simple: I have an IC that provides an output pin to alert you when some condition is met. The output pin is open-collector, high-impedance when active. I want to monitor this output on another IC (a microcontroller, specifically).
Is this as simple as having a pull-up on the output so when it's "on"… the level goes low and I just monitor for the high-to-low transition? I feel like I'm overthinking this, but it's not immediately setting off a light-bulb in my head.
Best Answer
Yes, all you have to do is to add a pull-up resistor to the open-collector output, provided that the other IC input doesn't need much current it will be OK.
The typical value for the pull-up resistor is 10 K.