Driver for driving an electromechanical device

A method for driving an electromechanical device comprising a solenoid and a mechanical switch;

• the method comprising:
• providing a driver comprising an input port connectable to a battery;
• a ground port connected to ground;
• a first output port and a second output port connectable to the electromechanical device;
• wherein the first output port is connected to ground via a ground diode;
• the driver further comprising a high-side power switch;
• a low-side power switch;
• and a controller coupled to the high-side power switch and the low-side power switch, wherein a clamping trigger path is provided parallel to the low-side power switch, and the clamping trigger path comprises a diode, a Zener diode and a resistor;
• operating the controller in a first mode to charge the solenoid and close the mechanical switch;
• operating the controller in a second mode to maintain the mechanical switch closed;
• wherein in the first mode and the second mode, the low-side power switch is on and the high-side power switch is controlled to switch between an on-state and an off-state by the controller, such that in the on-state a path is formed between the input port and ground via the high-side power switch, the solenoid and the low-side power switch;
• and in the off-state a path is formed between ground and ground via the ground diode, the solenoid and the low-side power switch;
• and
• operating the controller in a third mode to discharge the solenoid through the low-side power switch controlled by a Zener trigger and open the mechanical switch.