Using an Arduino + transistor to control current flow

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

Hi guys,

I'm fairly new to all this. The project I'm working on relies on an Arduino to power on and off a transistor, and therefor control the flow of another circuit. However, I don't think that transistors are my best bet for this, as they require the same ground + VCC. What could I use for this? Thanks!

Circuit diagram:

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2

However, I don't think that transistors are my best bet for this,

I think they are your only bet, unless you want to use a relay.

At what voltage is the current source you want to control?
That circuit is wrong in any case. You want to control it with an Arduino pin, no?

3

Use a relay or Opto FET, H11F1M/H11F2M/H11F3M

https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/149/H11F3M-189245.pdf

4

Yep, use an opto.

5

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

I did some research on the opto fets you mentioned; would this work in my circuit?

Also, I didn't mean to put "VCC" on my original post; I meant to put "Arduino pin" instead.

Thanks in advance.

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6

You will need to limit the LED current with a ~220R resistor.

What is the source of your signal and what are you driving ?

An H11F3M has an on resistance of ~450Ω so your load needs to be Hi Z.

An H11F1M is ~200Ω