12V RGB Strip MOSFET

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

Hi there.

(Sorry for my bad English as it is not my native language)

So I've been working on an ArtNet DMX RGB LED Strip node. Basically, what it does is receiving some DMX code via Wi-Fi, and translating that into some output, in this case, a PWM signal. I got the code working perfectly as I wanted on a NodeMCU and some LEDs. The next thing I wanted to do is to control some RGB LED Strips. But I'm facing some problem.

I can't find any logic-level MOSFETs in my local store (don't ask me why that is). Those are the things available in my local store:

  1. TIP122
  2. TIP41C
  3. IRF520, IRF530, IRFZ44N

I'm thinking to go with some TIP41C with heatsink applied. And using 2N2222 to drive the MOSFET as the NodeMCU's logic level is 3.3V, not 5V.

What I wanted to use are:

  1. NodeMCU Lolin w/ base plate.
  2. 12V SMD 5050 RGB LED strips 3m
  3. 12V 3A Power Supply

My questions are:

  1. Is it recommended to use the TIP41C with heatsink instead of MOSFETs? Which MOSFET from the list above do you recommend using?
  2. Is it safe to power the NodeMCU by using the power supply mentioned above?
  3. Oh, and also, what is the suitable value of the resistor in this kind of project? How do I calculate them?

I know it's a lot of information I mentioned above. Any advice will be much appreciated. And please ask if you want more information about my project.

Thanks!

2

Is it recommended to use the TIP41C with heatsink instead of MOSFETs?

No.

Is it safe to power the NodeMCU by using the power supply mentioned above?

You run the risk of overheating the on board regulator if the processor is sourcing large currents,

Oh, and also, what is the suitable value of the resistor in this kind of project?

Where? What LED strip are you using, can you supply a link to the one you have.

If yo can not get a logic level FET use a normal FET and drive it with a NON transistor.

3

Thank you for your response!

Where? What LED strip are you using, can you supply a link to the one you have?

The resistor will be used between PWM pins and the base of the transistor. But I don't even know whether the resistor will have some effects on the schematic or not.

Oh, sorry. The LED lights are RGB SMD 5050 strips with 60 LEDs/m. I get it from an online store in my country. The seller said it may draw 1.2 Amps per meter if all colour channels turned fully on. I've attached a picture of the strip, provided by the seller. That's the only picture provided by the seller.

If you can not get a logic level FET, use a normal FET and drive it with a NON transistor.

Did you mean NPN? If so, I'll get some MOSFETs then.

06102019074952_1.jpg
06102019074952_1.jpg700×700 117 KB

4

Did you mean NPN?

Yes, missed that auto correct.

The resistor will be used between PWM pins and the base of the transistor. But I don't even know whether the resistor will have some effects on the schematic or not.

Well it will appear on the schematic.

When you driver a FET, you need a resistor in the base and one on the collector.