Hi! I am building a project where I have a pump (needs 12V, 4.5Amp Max) connected to a power source (12V, 5Amp) and to an electronic switch (a transistor). That switch is controlled by a much lower power Arduino Uno. The Arduino is basically turning the pump circuit on and off. I am new to electronics, so I have no idea how to do this. I found this article: https://itp.nyu.edu/physcomp/labs/m...o-control-high-current-loads-with-an-arduino/ and it explains the steps pretty clearly.
However, it says to use the TIP120 Transistor, but it later says that you can also use an IRF510 or IRF520 MOSFET Transistor. According to this website, TIP120 is a terrible option: http://sensitiveresearch.com/elec/DoNotTIP/index.html So my first question is, should I choose the IRF510 or IRF520? This site says that they are not interchangeable: http://www.redwaveradio.com/5_55856568f12dc970_1.htm
My second question is that the website for the Arduino electronic switch says that I have to use a diode because the motor can generate a back voltage. I wasn't able to find one that has the specs I need (12V, 5Amp). Are there any that can work for me? If not, then are there any replacements? I assume it can be higher Amp than I need just in case, right?
Also, I didn't quite understand what the second diode is for and when to use it. Can someone help me with that?
My final question is more of a conceptual one. The diagram for the Arduino shows that the high power battery is connected to the black wires and that eventually goes to the Arduino after a series of other black wires. Is that a problem, or is something in the circuit protecting the Arduino? I know it also says to add a separate battery for the Arduino.
Thanks for any help!
Max
However, it says to use the TIP120 Transistor, but it later says that you can also use an IRF510 or IRF520 MOSFET Transistor. According to this website, TIP120 is a terrible option: http://sensitiveresearch.com/elec/DoNotTIP/index.html So my first question is, should I choose the IRF510 or IRF520? This site says that they are not interchangeable: http://www.redwaveradio.com/5_55856568f12dc970_1.htm
My second question is that the website for the Arduino electronic switch says that I have to use a diode because the motor can generate a back voltage. I wasn't able to find one that has the specs I need (12V, 5Amp). Are there any that can work for me? If not, then are there any replacements? I assume it can be higher Amp than I need just in case, right?
Also, I didn't quite understand what the second diode is for and when to use it. Can someone help me with that?
My final question is more of a conceptual one. The diagram for the Arduino shows that the high power battery is connected to the black wires and that eventually goes to the Arduino after a series of other black wires. Is that a problem, or is something in the circuit protecting the Arduino? I know it also says to add a separate battery for the Arduino.
Thanks for any help!
Max