Adafruit I2C to 8 Channel Solenoid Driver - STEMMA QT / Qwiic

Driving multiple solenoids can be complicated, requiring transistors, flyback diodes, and a common power source. The Adafruit I2C to 8 Channel Solenoid Driver simplifies this process with its MCP23017 GPIO expander that allows easy, solder-free control of up to eight solenoids.

This driver board features an I2C to GPIO expander, letting you use few microcontroller pins. It supports 3V to 24V DC power supply for solenoids connected via terminal blocks. Each solenoid output is controlled through an AO3406 N-Channel MOSFET rated for 30Vds, 3.6A peak, with a 70mΩ RdsOn transistor and a built-in flyback diode to protect against inductive spikes.

A red LED lights up to indicate the transistor is active. The MCP23017 chip's other port is also accessible for additional general-purpose IO such as LED drivers or button inputs. Up to 8 boards can be chained together via jumper-configurable I2C addresses for controlling up to 64 solenoids.

The board is compatible with 3V or 5V systems, suitable for devices ranging from Arduino Metro 328 to Raspberry Pi. The STEMMA QT JST SH connectors make connection easy, enabling I2C bus sharing with other STEMMA QT, Qwiic, Grove, or similar sensors. Note that STEMMA QT cables are sold separately.

• Eight solenoid outputs controlled via MCP23017 I2C GPIO expander
• Supports 3V to 24V DC solenoid power supply
• Built-in AO3406 N-Channel MOSFET switches and flyback diodes
• Red LED indicator per output channel
• Additional MCP23017 port available for general-purpose IO
• Up to 8 boards daisy-chainable for 64 solenoids total
• Compatible with 3V and 5V power and logic levels
• STEMMA QT / Qwiic connectors for easy I2C hookup