Hello,

I want to control 4 solenoid valves that requires 12 volts to operate. I'm using Arduino Duemilanove for control. After doing some reading on the web, I decided to use optoisolator (L9822EPD) as a solenoid driver.
Data sheet can be found here:
http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheet/stmicroelectronics/1416.pdf

Could someone help me figure out how I should connect this type of optoisolator to control at least one solenoid valve?

The solenoid valve is just like an inductor, it has two wires ( positive and negative )

Detailed help would be appreciated.

thanks

 

It's not an opto-isolator, it's an Octal solenoid driver. You need to connect it to an SPI interface.

 

Your idea of including an opto-isolator is a good one. By galvanically isolating the arduino and the higher voltage associated with the solenoid valve you will insure that the arduino will be protected against damage from the higher voltage.

Have you selected an opto-isolator device?

hgmjr

 

Blueroomelectronics is correct. The link you supplied is not to an opto-isolator.

hgmjr

 

Sorry, I was mixing up between the both.

Now, Would the arduino board be burned without using the opto-isolator?
and if yes, could you explain to me how the opto-isolator will be connected?

I'm connecting the arduino pins (13, 10, 12, 11) to L922E pins (18, 17, 2, 19) respectively. Is that correct?

Now, how to control the valves?

Sorry, I guess there are two different points on my reply (Opto-isolator, and solenoid drivers).

thanks,

 

The opto-isolater is not a necessity. It is more of a safeguard against any high voltage spikes that might find their way back into the Arduino.

It permits you to isolate the +5V and +12V power supplies from each other.

hgmjr

 

There is one snag though. The solenoid driver uses +5V and +12V so the use of an opto-isolator is somewhat of a problem since it would require you to use another regulator off of your +12V to provide the +5V for the serial interface to the driver.

hgmjr

 

Is there some reason that you had contemplated an opto-isolator in the first place?

hgmjr

 

It is because I was looking at a custom designed PCB that can drive the solenoid valves, but I don't have the schematic for it, and it has three opto-isolator on it (4N37).

 

How far apart were you planning to locate the Arduino from the solenoid valves?

hgmjr

 

I think I will mount them close to each other in one box of dimensions 7, 6, 4 cm. Arduino on the bottom side of the box and the Solenoid driver on the top side of the box (the box lid).

 

Would you be comfortable omitting the opto-isolator since the device you have chosen appears to be intended for use with a microcontroller directly connected?

hgmjr

 

Thanks hgmjr. I'm thinking of postponing the use of the opto-isolator until I figure out how to control the solenoid.
But I still don't know how to control the solenoid taking into consideration the pin configuration that I have explained earlier.

 

Are you not familiar with the SPI serial communications protocol?

hgmjr

 

No, but I'm reading about it right now on this web page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_Peripheral_Interface_Bus

 

No, but I'm reading about it right now on this web page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serial_Peripheral_Interface_Bus

The material will give a good feel for the interface protocol. Be sure to read the device's datasheet for the particulars since many devices have implemented slight variations on the theme.

hgmjr

 

If you go to this link you will find that Arduino already has a library for talking SPI to slave devices such as the driver you are considering.

hgmjr

 

I have just realized that the SPI library is already included with the most updated version of arduino (arduino 0022).

Good work arduino, always working a head.

 

You need to post the specs for the solenoids before you go any further. (specifically the amount of current they require to operate)
All you might need is a transistor and a resistor to control your solenoids.. Or solid state relays or an optoisolator with a resistor and a relay combination if you wish to have isolation..
But this all depends on the specifics of the solenoids you wish to control.
There is really no need to get into SPI.. That's just complicating the subject somewhat.