Flyback diodes on multiple motors

I'm using an Arduino to turn on/off a MOSFET that gives 0v to 4 motors.

I have flyback diodes across each motor, can I use one diode across all 4?
Current draw is about 0.8 amp @ 12v with all 4 motors running.

This is the diode I'm using
2 A low VF MEGA Schottky barrier rectifier (mouser.com)

It depends on the distance of the motors from each other. In general one diode is required with each MOSFET.

1 Like

HI, @beeamaker

The aim of the diode is to stop the back emf at the motor, this makes sure any back EMF current does not radiate from the connecting wires.
So be on the conservative side and one diode per motor.

Tom.. :smiley: :+1: :coffee: :australia:

1 Like

As the currents sum up when the motors are stopped then they may kill the weakest diode first, then the next one...

Thanks everyone,
Basically I was just trying to reduce part count - but sounds like I should stay with what I got. probably safest rather than save a buck or two.

This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.