PWM for up to 5 amps and 40 volts

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Interfacing
1

I'm trying to use the arduino as a solar controller. I want to control the voltage using the PWM pins - The panels can source up to 5 amps and volages range from 28 volts to 23 volts for a 24 volt system. Anyone have a circuit idea to handle this. Is a MOSFET enough to handle this?

2

hi,

yes a MOSFET is sufficient, if it can handle more than 30V and more than 5Amps. Maybe you need a heat sink for the MOSFET.

Mike

3

I want to control the voltage using the PWM pins

Do you actually mean control the voltage or the current? Why do you want variable voltage from your solar panels? Surely you want to charge a battery and that requires a constant voltage (depending on the battery type).

MOSFETs at this sort of rating are no problem but you will have to be clearer what you want to do.