Solenoid driver circuit and method

A solenoid driver method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a solenoid on command;
• responsive to the solenoid on command, applying a pulse width modulated voltage signal having an average voltage to a solenoid, wherein the pulse width modulated voltage signal has a duty cycle at a first level and wherein, responsive to the pulse width modulated voltage signal, an armature within the solenoid begins moving;
• time varying the pulse width modulated voltage signal by gradually reducing the duty cycle below the first level over a predetermined period of time during movement of the armature, wherein the average voltage or current decreases during the predetermined period of time, wherein the armature continues movement to an on position but is not over-accelerated and wherein solenoid noise is reduced;
• and
• after the predetermined delayl period of time, terminating the pulse width modulated voltage signal and applying a steady state on voltage to the solenoid to maintain the armature in the on position.