Plug-and-Play PWM Duty Cycle Threshold Activation Module for Motors
Product/Service Opportunity: People are looking for a straightforward, plug-and-play solution to manage the activation of PWM-driven devices. They want to ensure that the device (like a motor or fuel pump) only turns on when the PWM signal's duty cycle exceeds a specific threshold, without having to dive into custom electronics or microcontroller programming.
Product Suggestion: A "Configurable PWM Duty Cycle Activation Module." This would be a compact, physical electronic unit with the following features:
- Input: It accepts a standard PWM signal (e.g., 50Hz-1kHz, compatible with common 5V or 12V logic levels from sources like automotive ECUs).
- Threshold Setting: An easy-to-adjust mechanism (like a multi-turn potentiometer or simple up/down buttons with a small display/LEDs) for setting the desired minimum duty cycle percentage for activation (e.g., 30%).
- Output: The module passes the input PWM signal through to the connected device (e.g., motor controller) only when the input duty cycle exceeds the user-set threshold. Below this threshold, the module outputs a 0% duty cycle signal or an equivalent "off" state to prevent device activation.
- Power: Designed to be powered by a common voltage, such as 12V DC, suitable for automotive or general hobbyist applications.
- Connectivity: Simple and secure input/output terminals (e.g., screw terminals, JST connectors).
- Indication: An LED indicator to show when the input signal is above the threshold and the output is active.
- Enclosure: Housed in a compact, durable enclosure suitable for the target environment (e.g., automotive under-dash or engine bay).
Expected Benefits:
- Market: Sales of a niche, specialized electronic module catering to automotive DIY enthusiasts, custom vehicle builders, and potentially other hobbyist or light industrial applications where precise PWM-based conditional activation is needed.
- User Value: It provides a plug-and-play solution that saves users significant time and complexity compared to designing and building a custom circuit or programming a microcontroller, thereby lowering the barrier to implementing this specific control logic.
- Revenue: Creates a revenue stream from direct sales of this physical product. The price point would be accessible for hobbyists while reflecting the value of a pre-engineered solution.
Origin Reddit Post
r/arduino
how do i limit activation of a pwm controlled 12v three phase motor so the motor does not power on until a certain duty cycle is present
Posted by u/Doc_Holiday_45•05/29/2025
So I have a fuel pump assembly with two fuel pumps I want to control better. Both pumps have their own controller but are using the same 100hz pwm signal from the car's ECU to power the contr
Top Comments
u/Machiela
You're going to have to learn to code. Luckily, it's not rocket-science!
Start at the start - get yourself a starter kit; there's lot of them around. Make sure the starter kit has some DC mo
u/sparkicidal
You may not need to code it. If you’re looking to engage a switch at a certain PWM duty cycle, you can do it with analogue electronics, it just depends on your understanding of electronics. D