Ok so I received the circuit board and tested it out. It is able to switch the solenoid just fine but here are a few observations. When I measure the gate og mosfet (uC output) signal looks perfect. But when I measure at the drain, the signal looks inverted. Is this what i am supposed to see?

Yes. A positive voltage on the gate causes the MOSFET to conduct which naturally reduces the voltage at the source (assuming there is an impedance from the source to the supply voltage). Voltage inversion is a characteristic of all common-source or common-emitter amplifiers.

 

Yes. A positive voltage on the gate causes the MOSFET to conduct which naturally reduces the voltage at the source (assuming there is an impedance from the source to the supply voltage). Voltage inversion is a characteristic of all common-source or common-emitter amplifiers.

I think you meant to say,
"Yes. A positive voltage on the gate causes the MOSFET to conduct which naturally reduces the voltage at the DRAIN (assuming there is an impedance from the DRAIN to the supply voltage). Voltage inversion is a characteristic of all common-source or common-emitter amplifiers."

 

I think you meant to say,
"Yes. A positive voltage on the gate causes the MOSFET to conduct which naturally reduces the voltage at the DRAIN (assuming there is an impedance from the DRAIN to the supply voltage). Voltage inversion is a characteristic of all common-source or common-emitter amplifiers."

Yes, I mixed up my source and drain.

 

Yes, I mixed up my source and drain.

That happens to me frequently, but i don't talk about it publicly.

 

Ok thanks guys this makes sense. Now I see that my pull-in current shoots pretty high. Can I use a PWN for pull-in current as well to control the current spike? What are the effects of doing this?

 

Please help me on this

 

Ok thanks guys this makes sense. Now I see that my pull-in current shoots pretty high. Can I use a PWN for pull-in current as well to control the current spike? What are the effects of doing this?

We need to see a datasheet for your solenoid.