Common Pin Types and their Meanings

    Modified from here

    Pin TypeDescription
    InputA pin which is exclusively an input.
    OutputA pin which is exclusively an output.
    BidirectionalA pin that can be either an input or an output, such as a microcontroller data bus pin.
    Tri-stateA three state output pin (high, low, or high impedance)
    PassiveA passive symbol pin: resistors, connectors, etc.
    FreeA pin that can be freely connected to any other pin without electrical concerns.
    UnspecifiedA pin for which the ERC check does not matter.
    Power inputA symbol’s power pin. As a special case, power input pins that are marked invisible are automatically connected to the net with the same name. See the Power Ports section for more information.
    Power outputA pin that provides power to other pins, such as a regulator output.
    Open collectorAn open collector logic output.
    Open emitterAn open emitter logic output.
    UnconnectedA pin that should not be connected to anything.