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_4505/29/2025
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

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