At 03:15 PM 3/16/2006 +0000, you wrote:
>Hi Everyone,
>
>I've got a little project where I need to control a hydraulic power-pack
>with a PIC.
>
>The manufacturers tell me that the hydraulic unit can consume 250A max
>when it's running at full pressure. It's running off a 12v car battery.
>It will only operate for (max) 1 minute, twice a day. It should also
>only use about 100A as the load it's moving is quite small compared to
>it's maximum. It has solenoid valves which consume 4A at 12v.
>
>I need to control this unit completely from my PIC, by that I mean the
>(possible) 250A going in, and the solenoids.
>
>The solenoids I can happily do with a relay or a power MOSFET, but I'm
>having trouble finding something that can switch the 250A easily.
>
>Is it wise to parallel-up power MOSFET's? I've found some (IRFP3703)
>which are rated at 209A and 30V, but wasn't sure if they let their magic
>smoke out when they're paralleled..

Tim:

Have you carefully read Note 6 on the IRFP3703 data sheet?

Why don't you use a contactor or relay? At two operations per day it will
never wear out, and you'll probably get less voltage drop.

Best regards,

Spehro Pefhany --"it's the network..."            "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com             Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog  Info for designers:  http://www.speff.com
->> Inexpensive test equipment & parts http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZspeff


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