Choosing transistors for high-power digital switching
Microcontrollers make wonderful “brains” for embedded systems, but are severely limited in the amount of current they can supply to an external device. In order to determine the amount of current a microcontroller can supply (or sink) with an output pin, open the data sheet and look for the section describing “Absolute Maximum Ratings”. There, there should be a specification described as the maximum current for a single GPIO pin (see example, Figure 1).
MOSFET for use with a 3.3V and 5V Microcontroller
Selecting the MOSFET
When selecting a MOSFET for either 3.3V or 5V applications there are three parameters to consider.
Transistors
What is a transistor?
A transistor is a type of semiconductor device that can be used as both an amplifier or as an electronic switch.
