>-----Original Message-----
>From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] 
>Sent: 16 March 2006 15:15
>To: PICList
>Subject: [EE:] Switching 250A @ 12v
>
>
>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..

I would forget MOSFETs and use a contactor, or even a starter motor solenoid from an older car that uses an inertia-type starter rather than pre-enaged.

Regards

Mike

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