Try to use complimentary MOSFETs. Also as we mentioned earlier Logic Level MOSFETs designed for a logic level gate signal. You also still have the option of using relays with the considerations we mentioned earlier.

Ron

Yup

Another option i'd like your opinion on, which I think, assuming you think it's fine, could be the most simplistic, is to use the VNH2SP30-E for the H-bridge.

It requires very little external circuitry:

All that assumes that I add in reverse voltage protection on the main Vcc.

So, I would need 6 of those for the actuators, and 4 MOSFETs for the LEDs. That seems fairly manageable.

 

This is also useful when designing the higher power mosfet H bridge http://tahmidmc.blogspot.ca/2013/01/using-high-low-side-driver-ir2110-with.html
There is also schematics here, see project #9 http://www.microchip.com/DevelopmentTools/ProductDetails.aspx?PartNO=dm163029
Also in Rons post #9, in some cases the lower two can be switched on for braking, (3&4) if needed.
Max.

 

Max just gave you some good advice. I would take that and run.

Ron

 

If you don't have a requirement for high-speed switching, I strongly recommend using 4 I/O lines to control the H-bridge, gives you abillity to avoid shoot-thru transients when switching, and allows more control options.

 

If you don't have a requirement for high-speed switching, I strongly recommend using 4 I/O lines to control the H-bridge, gives you abillity to avoid shoot-thru transients when switching, and allows more control options.

I don't need high speed switching. But I really like the idea of using the VNH2SP30-E to cut down on the components needed, and the complexity.

Plus, it's just a linear actuator, simple up and down. I don't think I would benefit from more control options.

Also, with the VNH it has current sensing and other safety features baked in

 

I don't need high speed switching. But I really like the idea of using the VNH2SP30-E to cut down on the components needed, and the complexity.

Plus, it's just a linear actuator, simple up and down. I don't think I would benefit from more control options.

Also, with the VNH it has current sensing and other safety features baked in

Yeah, but just try finding this part- if Digikey doesn't have them...
How are you going to prototype with this difficult-to-connect part? Your first board will have problems, plan on doing it twice.

Save yourself headache- use simple MOSFETS.

 

Yeah, but just try finding this part- if Digikey doesn't have them...
How are you going to prototype with this difficult-to-connect part? Your first board will have problems, plan on doing it twice.

Save yourself headache- use simple MOSFETS.

Mouser has a decent stock actually. Haven't checked digikey. Im just going to design a pcb, not planning on prototyping this on a perf board or anything.

I'm just trying to avoid needing 24 mosfets, plus resistors, when I can use 6 ic's, and a few resistors.

Though, using all mosfets would save money, and I could use the same ones for the led switching