Controlling high power DC load using MOSFETs

For scenarios where you need to handle a lot of DC power and current, MOSFETs are a great solid-state alternative to mechanical relays. With proper power and heat-sinking, many common power MOSFETs can power over 1000 LEDs!

Note

AC or DC power are both dangerous! Just like the previous recipe, use extreme caution when using high-power loads. In this case, we will be using a 9V DC load--not too dangerous, but many MOSFET circuits can handle high-voltage and amperage solutions.

Getting ready

For this recipe, we will need the following equipment:

• 3 N-channel power MOSFETs (the IRLB8721 MOSFETS are inexpensive and available from Adafruit (https://www.adafruit.com/product/355)

• 12V analog LED light strip; with a 2 A source, you can run about 3 meters of 60 LED/m lights.

• 9V-12V power source (1-2 A is perfect)

How to do it...

1. Wiring a MOSFET is quite simple. One side will be connected to the Raspberry Pi to control the MOSFET, while the other side will is for...