Switching 45-60v with arduino?

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

I'm interested in switching 45-60v on and off using an arduino. I have 2 different scenarios....

  1. Purely a switch. low current. Only hundreds of mA at most.

  2. Switching higher current, about 20w (about 2A).

My options are opto-coupler, relay, mosfet. I'm unsure which of these would suit the job the best.
It needs to be battery efficient when in the default off/open state. And ideally compact, as I am working in a tight space.

Can anyone suggest which would be best for these different jobs?

2

The options are mosfets and relays

3

@gibbz
I have used mosfets and solid state relays in those applications and both worked fine the mosfet will most likely be cheaper and more compact. Be careful in your mosfet selection. I have burned up {flames) more than one with high voltage capacitor discharge applications. Give the mosfet a try.
Lloyd-ss

4

I generally recommend that beginners use relays since the concept of a "switch" is really easy to understand. However relays need drivers and that can add bulk. Do you have room for something like this?
https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-Channel-optocoupler-Support-Trigger/dp/B00LW15A4W

5

You don't say AC or DC.

For DC, MOSFET, SSR (DC Solid State Relay) or mechanical relay (with [opto]driver).

For AC, AC SSR OR mechanical relay.

Most SSR are AC output only. Make sure that the SSR is good for DC switching before purchase.

2 Likes
6

You need to tell us if the 45-60 volts can share a common ground with your Arduino circuit.

7

A MOSFET for both
nanoamps when off

8

@Paul_KD7HB
I have not run into the situation of needing 2 different grounds yet. How DO you isolate them to protect the Arduino (I guess that is the risk, correct?)?
Thanks,
Lloyd

9

Actual switching kept on the 45-60 volt circuit. Control passed to that circuit with an opto-isolator.

1 Like
10

An opto-isolated relay module would be best.

11

2A at 45V would be 90W, 2A at 60V would be 120W, so it is 2A or is it 20W?

AC or DC? Different answers for each.

12

Sorry for the late reply.

Its dc, for a diy ebike project.
Arduino can share the same ground.
its 18-20 watt at 48v for the ebike lights.

I need to check how much space I have, relays are obviously easy. But I'm thinking I might give mosfets a try, as I'd like to try something new. Worst case scenario is cram in relays....

13

I wouldn't say relays being obviously easy. Common relays are rated up to 24-30 VDC max, beyond that there is risk of arching. DC-relays more than 24v are expensive, more than 48v are even difficult to find. Better to go with mosfet module or SSR for DC loads.

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