Hi,
I'm trying to switch 4 relays simultaneously with arduino. Essentially, I have these relays' coils connected in parallel. I tried connecting them with every relay having its own rectifying diode and it works just fine. The question is, is it necessary to have a diode on each of the relays, or can I use one (maybe larger) diode for the whole lot? How do I select it (assuming it is possible)?
Cheers.
Avalonnw:
Hi,
I'm trying to switch 4 relays simultaneously with arduino. Essentially, I have these relays' coils connected in parallel. I tried connecting them with every relay having its own rectifying diode and it works just fine. The question is, is it necessary to have a diode on each of the relays, or can I use one (maybe larger) diode for the whole lot?
Yes you can.
How do I select it (assuming it is possible)?
Depends on the relays. What diodes are you using now?
Henry_Best,
I'm using some generic 1N4000 series.
The relays have 3.3V coils 150mW each.
Yes one diode across them all will do.
That diode is good for an amp so it will be fine.
Cool,
Thanks a lot!
And we presume that you are using a transistor to actually switch the relays, with its base controlled by the Arduino.
Yeah, BC337 is my best friend here 