Digistump Forums

The Digispark => Digispark (Original) Support => Topic started by: stevend on August 27, 2012, 11:23:13 am

Title: ?mosfet vs relay shield
Post by: stevend on August 27, 2012, 11:23:13 am

I'm looking to control two 12VDC/2.6A solenoids.

Which is the better choice of shield: mosfet or relay?

many thanks.

Title: ?mosfet vs relay shield
Post by: sparr on August 27, 2012, 12:00:10 pm

relay

Title: ?mosfet vs relay shield
Post by: stevend on August 27, 2012, 12:07:50 pm

why?  thanks, again

Title: ?mosfet vs relay shield
Post by: ChrisMouse on September 04, 2012, 11:23:13 am

That depends on what you want to do. A relay can handle DC or AC, and is completely isolated from the Digispark power supplies, meaning you can use it to switch pretty much anything on and off. The main drawbacks to a relay are that it\'s slow, noisy, and relatively large and heavy for the current it can handle.
A MOSFET is far faster at switching on and off, making PWM speed control possible. It can also handle much more current than a similar sized relay. The main drawbacks to a MOSFET are the fact that it is only usable for DC, and the load ground must be connected to the Digispark ground. This last item makes the MOSFET unusable for anything involving switching of mains (power line) voltages