Hello group members,
I am looking for component advice to switch 12v (2amp max) power using Arduino digital pin (3v).
I tried with BC547 NPN transistor and with IFR530 MOSFET with limited success as there was insufficient current.
Can someone suggest a better way please.
My project is powered with 12v brick, I have a 5v regulator to drive the Arduino, the 12v supply also goes to LED strip lights (white) and through the NPN/MOSFET to GND. I AM NOT USING PWM
Thanks
Always show us a good schematic of your proposed circuit.
Show us good images of your ‘actual’ wiring.
Give links to components.
You could use one of these. It will work using Arduino digital pin (3v).
You switch the +12V going to the LED strip.
I use these I get from my china supplier, they come in three different ranges and generally under $0.75. I have had good luck with them. I usually run them less then 50% of rating and they stay cold. Here are the three variations: FR120N LR7843 AOD4184 D4184 Isolated MOSFET MOS Tube FET Module, they are sourced by many vendors.
Can you post a diagram of how you wired things? The IFR530 is an N-channel mosfet which would normally be used to switch the ground side of the circuit. To switch the 12V high side, you would use a P-channel mosfet and the NPN.
Edit: If you are switching the low side, I don't know why you would need the NPN. Try connecting the Arduino GPIO directly to the mosfet gate.
Edit2: Sorry, you said it's a 3.3V GPIO pin. Then you may just have the wrong mosfet. The threshold voltage of the IFR530 may just be too high for the GPIO to turn it on fully. Still need to see your circuit.
Are they specified for 3V control? Do they give you a hook-up diagram or schematic? (Personally, I don't buy cheap undocumented stuff from unknown suppliers or unknown manufacturers.)
The simplest solution would be solid state relay rated for 3V input and rated for switching DC and rated for 2A or more.
Or a "relay board" with a regular electro-mechanical relay. (The Arduino can't directly-drive a relay coil so you need a driver circuit or a board with a driver circuit.) Again, it should be rated to work from a 3V control voltage.
...A relay is an electrically-controlled and electrically-isolated switch so it's pretty-much foolproof when you want an electrically controlled switch.
You just need a N-channel mosfet, but not that one, it needs a too high voltage to conduct.
You have to check that the mosfet is fully on with 3.3V. For example this ones: AO3400, BSS806N. Or others.
In the datasheet you have to check the RDS(on) parameter. It will tell you the resistance between drain and source at different voltages. Make sure that the resistance is very low at 3.3V, to be fully on.
These mosfets for example have a resistance of about 50mΩ at 2.5V. So perfect for the 3.3V level.
Just connect the arduino pin to the mosfet gate, with a gate resistor and a pull-down resistor to GND.
For your project, considering your power requirements and the need to switch 12V using an Arduino's 3V digital pin, you might want to explore using a relay module. Relays can handle higher currents and voltages and can be controlled by low-voltage signals from the Arduino. This solution ensures better compatibility and reliability for your setup. Additionally, for reliable access to electronic components like relays and more, you might find JAK Electronics to be a valuable resource for sourcing your project needs.
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