Sparkfun Power Driver Shield DEV-10618

Components & Accessories Power
1

Hey Everybody,

I am looking at controlling several SOLENOID VALVES with an Arduino Uno R3 or Pro Mini (5V). I am developing a proof of concept for a device and want to just do some “plug-and-play”.

Questions:

  1. I see that the DEV-10618 has 3 x 5V channels and 3 x 12V channels. Can the 5V channels be changed to 12V by swapping out the resistor?

  2. Can I apply a continuous PWM signal to the mosfet (let’s say 90-100% duty cycle) for 5-10 minutes in order to keep a solenoid valve opened so that a water tank (approx 7 gallons) fully empties?

  3. Is the DEV-10618 the correct product that I should be using?

  4. Or should I be using the COM-15929 that uses the same mosfet?

  5. Is this the best solution to just do some basic wiring without too much soldering? Or should I just go out and purchase a few of the RFP30N06LE mosfets and solder them to some perfboard?

TIA,

Neal

2

Hi Neal,

If you are looking for a MOSFET solution for this project, the Power Driver Shield is probably the best option we carry. Something like our [Qwiic Quad Relay or the [Beefcake Relay Control Kit might work as well. We have Hookup Guides for both of these products on their respective pages if you want to read up on them.

Now, for your specific questions, I’ll answer those below.

  • - The voltage is not set by the resistor, the 5V and 12V channels are driven from a connected power supply. The shield is intended to be connected to a computer power supply with a [[24-pin ATX Power Supply](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATX#Power_supply). You can switch the 5V channels to 12V by simply connecting a 12V supply to the 5V pin labeled on that 24-pin Molex connector. Just be aware that those channels are driven by a single pin so the max current will be less than the "true" 12V side.
  • - Theoretically, yes, that should work so long as the load is within the max ratings of the MOSFET. I would highly recommend reading through the [[RFP30N06L Datasheet](https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Components/General/RFP30N06LE.pdf) to make sure you do not overtax the MOSFETs with your load. Adding heatsinks to the MOSFETs may also be necessary if your solenoids are going to be pulling a lot of current for that period. Also, while this kit does have protection diodes for your power supply, there are no protection diodes for the MOSFETs so you may need to add those to your outputs to the solenoids to prevent EMF backflow from damaging the MOSFETs. If you are running long wires to the solenoids, it's best to put the protection diodes as close to the solenoid as possible.
  • - The [[MOSFET Power Kit](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12959) could work but it would be more wiring on your end and also the traces on that kit are only rated to 3.5A so again, depending on the power specs of the solenoids you are driving, that may not work.
  • - As for the best solution, it's kind of up to you to decide that after reading the documentation for the MOSFETs and choosing a power supply and controller. If you want a simple Arduino Shield-type solution, this kit is probably the best we have for that. A perfboard prototype is always a good place to start on a project like this but the Power Driver Kit will also be a good option.
    • ](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12959)

    I hope this information helps you decide on the best kit for this project. If you have any follow-up questions about this, let us know and we would be happy to help as much as we can.](https://www.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Components/General/RFP30N06LE.pdf)](ATX - Wikipedia)](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13815)](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15102)