Fast, Simple Solenoid Driver Saves Power In Industrial Applications

Focus:

Conventional solenoid drivers have uncontrollable current decay arrangements. If a fast current decay is required, a higher supply voltage is used, which results in high power dissipation. Alternatively, an extra Zener diode may be connected in series with the solenoid recuperating diode. In that case a special external signal clamps the Zener diode during the driver active mode and releases it when its operation is necessary. Typically, a microcontroller is needed to control the Zener, which adds complexity. Or, if the Zener diode is connected on a permanent basis, the solenoid operates in a discontinuous conduction mode, which dissipates a lot of power. To overcome these limitations, a new solenoid driver circuit presented here uses just the driving signal for shorting the Zener diode in the active phase of its operation and engages it quickly when the solenoid is de-energized. Operation of the circuit is explained and experimental results are presented.

What you’ll learn:

• How to achieve fast current decay in solenoid inductors with reduced power dissipation using a simple charge pump circuit

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Author & Publication:

Gregory Mirsky, Continental Automotive Systems, Deer Park, Ill., How2Power Today, Feb 17 2017

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