Should we drive a 6V solenoid valve with full bridge or half bridge topology? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: elefurtronik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2023, 12:27:26 pm
content: Hello,Should we drive a 6V bistable solenoid valve with full bridge or half bridge topology?How can I decide which method to use?

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2023, 12:33:57 pm
content: If it's a typical two wire solenoid and you only have a single supply rail then you will need a full bridge. A half bridge could be used if you have suitable split supply rails, or you add a rail splitter.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2023, 02:42:04 pm
content: You can use a half bridge with a single supply to drive a single bistable coil by putting a capacitor in series with the coil. The value of the capacitor determines how much energy is delivered to the coil when the half bridge changes state, so you'll need to determine how much energy is required to reliably change the state of the solenoid and size the cap appropriately. This works very well for small single coil latching relays, but may not be as attractive a solution if we're talking about a really big solenoid.

author: elefurtronik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2023, 06:12:31 pm
content: Hi,Thanks for your answer ajb.Please give me an example cap calculation for 6V / 150mA bistable solenoid valve.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2023, 06:52:56 pm
content: Why don't you just use a full bridge? You can get single ICs with logic level inputs that are specifically designed for motor and solenoid control.

author: elefurtronik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2023, 08:22:07 pm
content: Quote from: james_s on May 18, 2023, 06:52:56 pmHi James,Those ICs are more expensive than using two half bridge. I have free half bridge ICs in my hand, as well. Therefore, I want to consume those. If I can do the same with half-bridge, it is better. I also have monostable valve I also want to make it compatible with it.

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2023, 08:34:11 pm
content: Quote from: elefurtronik on May 18, 2023, 06:12:31 pmIt depends on how much total energy is required to change the state of the solenoid, not just the nominal power. This appnote provides a formula you can use:https://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=srchrtrv&DocNm=Axicom_AppNote_5&DocType=CS&DocLang=EN

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 11:51:49 am
content: Quote from: elefurtronik on May 18, 2023, 08:22:07 pm$0.05 for full bridge, 7V 1A.https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/Motor-Driver-ICs_Shenzhen-Fuman-Elec-TC118S_C88308.html

author: elefurtronik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 01:19:41 pm
content: How can I qualify this chinese component? When can I say whether this part is good or not? Which tests do I need to perform?

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 01:55:45 pm
content: If Chinese designed parts make you nervous, spend$0.10

author: elefurtronik
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 03:55:02 pm
content: No It doesnt. Just I want to learn how I can qualify the part which parameters are important to be sure about the quality.

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 04:37:11 pm
content: Read the datasheet, ensure that your design parameters are within the capabilities of the device. Pay attention to thermal/heatsink requirements. Job done.

author: Siwastaja
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 04:54:35 pm
content: Quote from: elefurtronik on May 18, 2023, 08:22:07 pmThree half-bridge ICs = 1 full-bridge + 1 spare part.I wouldn't bother with the capacitor idea. With full bridge, you can control the pulse times easily and precisely in software.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2023, 12:01:35 am
content: Quote from: Siwastaja on May 21, 2023, 04:54:35 pmFree, not three. Sounds like he has a bunch of half bridge ICs already that he wants to use up. I've certainly been in that position before with various parts.