4 Channel DCSSR Assembly Instructions

Background

The DC SSR project was commenced at the request of Scott Nething, who wanted to control some DC Devices for Halloween. We worked on this project and had some prototype boards working for the shows, and I have subesquently tested the DC SSRs with LED MR16s, and dimmed them using PWM code from a RENARD.

Design

The board is a simple design, and follows the standard connection for an AC SSR COOP board. The RJ45 Socket provides the connection from the DC SSR to the Controller. The LED on the board indicates 5VDC is being supplied from the Controller to the OPTO.

The OPTO, which is different to the MCO3023Ms used on the AC SSR, is a K84PH, 16 pin DIP IC. I purchased mine from Mouser. 782-K847PH was the Mouser Part # and they cost $1.02 each, and here is the Datasheet The OPTO provides DC isolation from the Controller to the DC load. this is a safety feature, though some would suggest it could be deleted, I felt that will storms and electrical noise, it makes sense to isolate the PC and controller from the Lights.

The load switching is provided by MOSFETs.

The original MOSFET used was a STF20NF06 datasheet

an optional part is the Mouser, RFD14N05L, as part # 512-RFP14N05L and here is the Datasheet

There is a regulated 5V DC supply for the OPTOs, provided by either a 7805 or a 78L05 on the PCB. the PCB has mount holes for the TO-220 or TO-92 case style.

Euro style screw connectors are specificed for the board, and they are grouped in pairs (+/-) to make connections easy.

The DCSSR is designed to switch DC loads between 0 and 30 Volts. The MOSFETs are rated to great than 10 Amps each, however as fitted to the PCB, I would limit to individual channel load to 2 to 3 Amps max. A suitable heatsink will be required.

Schematic Diagram

A Schematic diagram of the DC SSR is available.

Parts List

The PCB is available from wjohn on the Forum.

 512-RFP14N05L 4
 782-K847PH 1
 660-CF1/4C681J 5 
 660-CF1/4C471J 4 
 660-CF1/4C103J 4
 604-WP7104IT 1
 571-5202514 1
 863-MC78L05ACPRPG 1
 538-39890-0302 5 
 571-3902614 1
 80-C322C104Z5U 1

571-3902614 is an optional IC socket, the rest of the parts are the Mouser part # and quantity required.

Construction Notes

1. When placing the Vreg (863-MC78L05ACPRPG), note that the PCB screen is reversed (PCB v1.0) from the Vreg data spec. Check voltage across the Vout and ground of the Vreg to ensure 5 volts output to avoid damage to the Vreg or MOSFETs.

2. When placing the MOSFETs (512-RFP14N05L), note that the tab is conductive and connect to the drain. If the tabs of the MOSFETs touch, extra channels will trigger. Ensure there is space between MOSFETs and do not use a single conductive heat sink across all 4 MOSFETs.

Completed DC SSR

Errata for Rev 1.0 PCB

1. The Vreg listed on BOM (863-MC78L05ACPRPG) does not match the PCB silk screen. Likely the part listed in the BOM has changed, but the PCB has not been revised yet.

2. The MOSFETs listed on BOM (512-RFP14N05L) is not the original design, original had a plastic package. Future Revs of the board may need more space between MOSFETs to ensure non-contact of the conductive heat sink tabs.

3. The data sheet for the Vreg on BOM (863-MC78L05ACPRPG) requires an input capacitor as noted in a forum post (can't find the post at the time of this update).