Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a multi-configurable output driver, including: first circuitry to provide driving current to an inductive load; the first circuitry being configurable, without the addition or rearrangement of components, in at least two different output topographies; and second circuitry to configure the first circuitry in a selected one of the at least two different output topographies in response to input signals.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based control for a solenoid operated device, wherein the microprocessor employs a tri-state output to achieve fast, precise control of the device without overburdening the microprocessor. The system has three selectable control modes: a first control mode in which the solenoid is de-energized, a second control mode in which the solenoid is fully energized, and a third control mode in which the solenoid is pulse-width-modulated. The various control modes are selected by the microprocessor and indicated by the logic level of a tri-state output. In the first and second control modes, indicated by first and second logic levels, the energization state of the solenoid is controlled directly by the microprocessor. In the third control mode, indicated by a third logic level, the energization state of the solenoid is controlled by an external PWM circuit based on PWM commands supplied to the PWM circuit by the microprocessor.