Hi all,
Ive been working on this circuit for a little while on and off. I already use the basic circuit with just the arduino programming changed for various other things, so i know the PCB itself is good.
I would like, if possible to shrink this, at the moment its around 750mm wide which is wider than i would like ideally (i know i could rotate the arduino and move the voltage regulator to save space too). The two largest things are the two mechanical relays, i was wondering if i could swap these for something smaller, MOSFET's or something else?
Im currently using Omron relays from Digikey
https://www.digikey.co.uk/product-detail/en/omron-electronics-inc-emc-div/G5LE-14-DC3/Z3326-ND/1815628The new purpose for the PCB will "use" the relay a lot more, so im also concerned about the relatively short lifespan with it being a mechanical switch.
The coils on the mechanical relays are switched by the 3v output of the arduino pins, so whatever they're replaced with need to also be capable of this. However, it needs to deal with inputs of up to 15 volts. Obviously the 15v can never go anywhere near the arduino for fear of letting the magic smoke escape!
It may be that for my purpose, relays are the best choice and il just have to deal with the size, but id be keen to shrink the board if possible!
I apologise for the messyness of my schematic, neatness isnt a concern at the moment, im not at that design phase yet.
Ive just never dealt with MOSFET's before, so if these can be used, or indeed anything else, i thought what better people to ask