Looking for a specific microcontroller/relay/module

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1

Hello all,

I am doing an automotive lighting project; adding EL gauge overlays. The overlays come with both frequency and dimming switches, but it is my preference to control the brightness with the OEM dimming buttons (which are up/down buttons).

If I knew what the load limitations were on the OEM dimming circuit (controlled by CANBUS/BCM), this would not be an issue - I would just power the inverters directly off that brightness controlled circuit - but I cannot find that information.

That leaves me with figuring out how to provide the INPUT of the dimmable circuit and use a controller to harness the power of a higher current load circuit (like IGN 12v+) to power the inverters. Does anyone know if such a module - that uses a low current 0-2vdc input trigger to control the output voltage of a 12vdc high current source, and output the same voltage? Essentially, this:

#$#&$*( pic didn’t upload.

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Link to drawing of what I am looking for:

https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/fo … tid=146065

3

Hi Subdermal.

A relay isn’t going to work for something like this because the PWM signal your external circuit is feeding switches much too quickly for a relay to work with.

What you’d need is something like a MOSFET that can switch on and off very rapidly. Just be sure your inverter can accept a power input that varies in voltage or is comaptible with PWM as some inverters might not like being PWM’ed or cold be damaged.

4

Thanks Chris:

I’m thinking a TI-OPA549T Op-Amp oughta do the trick. Thoughts?

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Te … J8j8Kk0%3D

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If that’s what you have and you’re comfortable building the circuit necessary to drive it, that will probably work.