I’m working on a robotics project and I’m trying to use a bi-stable solenoid (TDS-K06 B), controlled by an Arduino Nano 33 BLE Rev2. My last solenoid was too weak, so an upgrade was required. Now, the previous one was only 5V, while the new one is 6V. Since the Arduino only can power up to 5V via USB, I’m looking for a new way to power both my Arduino and solenoid. I was thinking of connecting both in parallel to a 6V lithium battery. The problem is, if you check the specs on the solenoid, he consumes 5.3W at 6V. No usual battery can feed that, right? What should I do?
In the previous design, I was using an TIP120 transistor, a 10k Ohm resistance and a 1N400 diode, fed directly from the VUSB pin.
Your solenoid draws close to an amp.
Electrical values
Nominal capacity
5.3 W
Nominal voltage
6
The solenoid is also an inductive load. Given a choice I would drive it using a logic level MOSFET. That or continue to use the TIP120 Darlington Transistor. You will also need a 6.0 VDC supply capable of the load current plus a maybe 20% overhead. Do not try and parallel anything. Can you provide a drawing of exactly what you have?
What I have is similar to this. In the previous version, the solenoid is powered by Arduino Vin pin (VUSB). In the new version, I want to remove that, and power both with some batteries (same battery or not).
Many batteries can feed that current. You need to set down and compute the time you want your robotics project to operate at that current. That will tell you the size of the battery you will need.
I need the solenoid to be working between 25%/40% duty time. The battery life-time is the best possible, but being light and portable is an important aspect of the project. I was thinking around the same size and weight of a 9V, a bit heavier max.
You can power with a 6V battery or larger if you want. Vin will support about 4.1V to 21V. Be careful if you are at the extremes. Use a N-Channel MOSFET to power the solenoid. When you pick your MOSFET be sure it has a Vgs less then 2V and is rated at 2X or more your current requirement. This will give you some cushion. D1 can be skipped if you use an avalanche rated device..
So you think the TIP120 is insuficient and should be traded by a MOSFET? You removed the resistance from where it is a connect it to ground? And adding a 150 Ohm resistance? And the 5V Pin in the Nano is only Output, as it conects directly the power from the USB to the pin.
It is hurting you, I believe it is a darlington which will cause a 1.4V drop so 5V - 1.4V = 3.6V being applied to your solonoid with a 5V source. With a MOSFET you will get 5V Hmmmmm! The 10K R2 resistor is to insure it is off during reset etc until you set the pin in your code. You only have 3V3 to drive the MOSFET.
Sorry my ignorance, you are so right! So if I add the MOSFET I can get the 6V 1Amp battery to feed both the Arduino and the solenoid right? And I'm good to go
Just what is it the solenoid is doing? The one you picked will NOT stay in any position unless always powered. There is no return spring, so either gravity will move it or you will need to reverse the power to actually cause it to move to the other position.
Interesting! So to move the armature from one end to the the other, you always have to REVERSE the current, just like reversing the rotation of a DC motor?
When you pick your MOSFET be sure it has a Vgs less then 2V and is rated at 2X or more your current requirement. This will give you some cushion. D1 can be skipped if you use an avalanche rated device..