Adafruit MOSFET Driver - For Motors, Solenoids, LEDs, etc

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

1N4007

A common general-purpose rectifier diode rated for relatively high reverse voltage. It is often used in power supplies and protection circuits where speed is not critical.

AO3406

The AO3406 is a small N-channel MOSFET commonly used as a low-side electronic switch, letting a low-power logic signal control a larger current load. A microcontroller pin can switch higher-current devices it could not drive directly, with the MOSFET handling the larger current safely.

breakout

A breakout board carries a small or fine-pitched component and brings its connections out to standard, breadboard- and header-friendly pins. Describing a part as a breakout means it can be wired into a project without soldering directly to the component's tiny contacts.

DC

DC means direct current, where electricity flows in one constant direction, as supplied by batteries, USB ports and many plug-pack power supplies. When a product specifies DC, it runs from a DC supply rather than mains AC, so you need to provide the correct voltage and polarity.

inductive load

A device with a coil, such as a relay, solenoid, or motor, that stores energy in a magnetic field. Inductive loads can create voltage spikes when switched off, so they often need protection components like diodes.

JST PH

A small keyed plug-and-socket connector with 2 mm pin spacing, often used for low-power electronics connections. You need the correct JST PH cable, and its current rating limits how much power should be passed through it.

LED

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a small electronic component that emits light when current flows through it in the correct direction. Because it only conducts one way, its polarity matters, and a through-hole LED must be soldered the correct way around to light up.

microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.

pH

A measure of how acidic or alkaline a liquid is, on a scale from 0 to 14 where 7 is neutral, lower is acidic and higher is alkaline. When a probe or sensor quotes a pH range and accuracy, check they cover the readings your project needs.

STEMMA

A plug-and-cable connection system used on some maker electronics boards to make wiring simpler. If a product uses STEMMA, you need the matching cable or connector type to plug it in without soldering.