How to Provide Voltages More Than 5V to Your Arduino Circuit

When you need to provide voltages more than the standard 5V available on an Arduino, it's essential to ensure both safety and functionality. This article explores various methods and precautionary measures to address this requirement.

Introduction to Providing Higher Voltages to Arduino Circuits

Many projects and circuits require voltages higher than the 5V limit of an Arduino's GPIO pins. Whether it's lighting an LED strip, driving a motor, or powering an LCD display, these components often necessitate voltages higher than what an Arduino can deliver directly. The methods discussed below will help you safely and effectively achieve this.

Option 1: Use an External Power Supply

One of the simplest methods to provide higher voltage is to use a separate power supply that outputs the desired voltage. This method is both reliable and straightforward.

Power Supply:

Connect a separate power supply, such as a 9V or 12V power source, to your circuit. Ensure the power supply is capable of supplying enough current for your circuit to operate efficiently.

Common Ground:

Connect the ground terminal of the external power supply to the ground of the Arduino. This common ground ensures that both systems share the same electrical reference point, preventing voltage differences that could damage your components.

Option 2: Use a Voltage Regulator

If you need a specific voltage that isn't provided by your external power supply, a voltage regulator can step down the voltage.

Voltage Regulator:

Choose a voltage regulator such as the LM7805 which outputs 5V from a higher input voltage, such as 9V or 12V. Connect the higher voltage to the input of the voltage regulator. Connect the output of the regulator to your circuit.

Option 3: Transistor or MOSFET Switching

Another option is to use a transistor or MOSFET to switch the higher voltage to your load, controlled by an Arduino.

Transistor or MOSFET:

Connect the gate/base of the transistor or MOSFET to an Arduino GPIO pin. Use a separate power supply for the load.

Option 4: Relay Module

A relay module is also an effective tool for controlling higher voltage circuits. The relay can be activated by the Arduino to switch on or off devices running on higher voltage.

Safety:

Ensure the relay is rated for the voltage and current of your load to avoid damage or overheating.

Option 5: Powering Components Directly

If your components can handle higher voltages, you can connect them directly to the external power supply while ensuring they are isolated from the Arduino to prevent any unwanted electrical interactions.

Important Considerations

Ensure all components, including wires, can handle the voltage and current you plan to use. The Arduino's GPIO pins can only tolerate a certain voltage, typically 5V. Apply higher voltage directly to the pins can damage the microcontroller. Use isolation techniques, such as opto-isolators, to protect the Arduino.

Example Setup: Powering an LED Strip

A detailed example will illustrate these concepts. Let's power an LED strip with a 12V supply using an Arduino.

Components Needed:

12V Power Supply MOSFET such as IRF520 10k ohm resistor for the gate LED Strip

Wiring:

Connect the source of the MOSFET to the ground. Connect the drain to the negative side of the LED strip. Connect the positive side of the LED strip to the 12V power supply. Connect the gate of the MOSFET to an Arduino pin through a resistor of 10k ohms. Connect the Arduino ground to the ground of the 12V power supply.

Code:

int ledPin  9; // Pin connected to the MOSFET gatevoid setup() {  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);}void loop() {  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH); // Turn on  delay(1000);                 // Wait for a second  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);   // Turn off  delay(1000);                 // Wait for a second}

By following these methods and precautions, you can safely provide voltages more than 5V to your circuits connected to an Arduino.