Is there such a thing as a digital version of a rotary switch? I want to be able to route where current from another circuit is going.
For example, let's say that I have a circuit that does a simple light flash using a 555 timer. I want to be able to control a multi-target switch for which LED gets flashed from my Arduino. Is there such a chip?
Digital switches will allow you to switch signals not currents. The current output will be limited to the output of the digital switch. Things like the 74138 and 74151 will do this:-
However analogue switches will switch bi directional signals, these are limited in current capability as well. Things like the 4051 4052 & 4053
Not too sure what you want to do but I suspect it is wrong.
Essentially, I have a different circuit that controls PWM effects to a LED. I want to be able to control which LED gets this effect at any point in time. I could do this with a mechanical rotary switch or similar, but want to control it with my Arduino.
Sorry, I may not be using the correct terminology, but my example above is exactly what I'm trying to achieve.
After reading the first link you provided, it seems to me like I need a demultiplexer since I have multiple targets and only one source.
Does this sound right?
it seems to me like I need a demultiplexer since I have multiple targets and only one source.
Yes, however the point is that if you have a current drive, you can't switch that drive through a demultiplexer like you could through a mechanical switch. The current drive would have to be placed after the demultiplexer.
With an analogue switch the drive can be on the input side but most switches will only handle a limited amount of current. So again you can't treat it like you would a mechanical switch that could pass through lots of current.
I only need to pass through 20 mA. Are you thinking of any analogue switch examples in particular? I'm trying to get an idea of what they look like, how they work, etc.
At 20mA you should be OK. Look at the data sheet for this:-
I'm trying to get an idea of what they look like,
they look like any other IC.
how they work
They work by turning on and off FETs
Perhaps something with an open collector output will be good because it will allow you to drive 20ma easily. I have never worked with any of these IC's mentioned here though.
How are you planning to actually control the switch? Using an Arduino?
Why still use a 555 then if you can easily generate the signal using an Arduino instead?
Why still use a 555 then if you can easily generate the signal using an Arduino instead?
Sorry, the 555 was just an example. I plan on using some of the effects boards offered by nGineering (www.ngineering.com). I suppose I could just do the effects myself on the Arduino, then the output would be trivial, but I already have the nGineering boards so I figured I'd just use them.
I essentially want to redirect their output(s) that each normally goes to 1 LED. I want to choose which LED they go to.
This is for some models that I'm building that I want to have effects go to different places on the spaceship.
Looks like there's an example in the playground: Arduino Playground - 4051