About the Mosfets that are suitable for use with an Arduino Micro Controller and how to use one with an Arduino.
Included are wiring diagrams and access to useful circuit boards.
The output of a digital pin on an Arduino board is 5 volts. So one must choose a Mofset that has a gate voltage (Vgs) less than 5 volts.
Here are a few examples of MOSFETs that have a Vgs of 5 volts:
- IRF540N: This is a popular N-channel MOSFET with a Vgs(th) of 2 to 4 volts. It can handle a drain-source voltage (Vds) of 100 volts and a continuous drain current (Id) of 33 amperes. It is commonly used in various applications such as power supplies and motor control.
- IRL540N: Similar to the IRF540N, this is an N-channel MOSFET with a Vgs(th) of 2 to 4 volts. It has a higher continuous drain current (Id) rating of 36 amperes, making it suitable for applications that require higher current handling.
- IRLB8748PbF: This N-channel MOSFET from Infineon has a Vgs(th) of 1.3 to 2.5 volts, making it compatible with 5-volt gate drive signals. It can handle a drain-source voltage (Vds) of 30 volts and a continuous drain current (Id) of 62 amperes. It is commonly used in power management and motor control applications.
Most model railroad and diorama projects use an IRF540N.
This wiring diagram shows one being used in an Arduino setting. What is shown is essentially and Arduino controlled switch. The program on the Arduino determines the state of the output on the Arduino. That output, of course is the gate voltage.
Note that there is a complete discussion on how how the Mosfet itself is wired here. Our concern in this page is the wiring on the Mosfet/Arduino combination.
There are many advantages to using a Mosfet as a switch. They are fully discussed in this page.
A Mosfet switch can be used to control other Mosfet. The image to the left shows one controlling 3 others to make a unique thunder and lightning display.