Hi
So, I want to use an Arduino to control a solenoid rated at 6V and 1A.
The problem is that, obviously, the arduino power output (so long as I do not use an external power supply) is far too weak to be able to drive the solenoid (I read somewhere that the arduino is rated at 0,4-0,5 amps). I was wondering whether there might be a good way of transforming the power from the arduino to get the needed power? Maybe using a button cell to get the last notch of power?
I have tried with a simple charge-pump voltage doubler, but it seems the charge is still far too small to move the solenoid.
[u]Here[/u] is a MOSFET driver circuit. You'll need a 6V power supply or a "hefty" 5V supply with a DC-DC converter.
Of course, the DC-DC converter needs to be rated for 6V (or adjustable to 6V) and at least 1A. Your 5V supply will have to provide all of the power/energy and the DC-DC converter won't be 100% efficient, so you'll need more than 1.2A (6/5) from the 5V supply. (Don't try to use the Arduino's 5V output or USB power.)
(I read somewhere that the arduino is rated at 0,4-0,5 amps).
0.04A (40mA) is the "absolute maximum". ...You can't power much more than an LED.
Maybe using a button cell to get the last notch of power?
No, that won't power a solenoid.
asgerisme:
(I read somewhere that the arduino is rated at 0,4-0,5 amps)
You can draw almost 1A from the Arduino 5V pin if you put the absolute minimum voltage into the Vin pin (6.2v) or the power jack (6.8V). Any higher will fry the regulator.
If you only want to draw 400-500 mA from the 5V pin you can get push in up to 10.32V on Vin (10.92V on the power jack).
If you use a 12V supply the regulator can only supply 200 mA before overheating.
Thank you guys
I think I will end up making a DC/DC-Boost Converter instead. I am using a battery to power the arduino, so I will just draw the power directly from the battery and double the voltage.