r/arduino 7d ago

Need Help on Multiplexed Circuit

I'm building a circuit to drive an 8×8 grid of 64 solenoids, where each solenoid needs to be individually controllable in both polarities (forward current, reverse current, or off).

My current plan is to use a multiplexed H-bridge matrix — 8 H-bridges driving the rows and 8 driving the columns — controlled by an Arduino. I'm planning to use 8 L293D ICs (each has 2 H-bridges, so 8 chips gives me the 16 I need).

My questions are:

  1. Will this approach work as intended?
  2. Are there any issues with using the L293D for this?
  3. Is there a better way to do this overall?
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u/Infamous-Amphibian-6 6d ago

DRV8871 drivers are way more efficient, compact and stable than L293Ds, in case you decide to go that way. In any case I’d suggest building on esp32 control.