Switching 3.3V with a Raspberry Pi gpio pin

Question

I recently bought an IR Camera for my Raspberry Pi, something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/kuman-Raspberry-Camera-Module-Supports/dp/B01ICLLOZ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?crid=M3FSU2COLT5W&keywords=ir+raspberry+pi+camera&qid=1553193365&s=gateway&sprefix=ir+rasp&sr=8-17

The only problem with the camera is the temperature of the IR leds which get way to high over time. Because I need these leds only one or two times in an hour I want to turn off those leds. My idea is to use a transistor which is switched by an gpio pin of a raspberry pi. But since I'm an amateur in using transistor I don't know which transistor and resistors to use. Any help?

The leds are powered by the camera with 3,3V and I measured about 0,28A at full brightness per led.

Answer 1

You can use a MOSFET to control power through the LEDs like this:

^{simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab}

Simply interrupt the connection between the LEDs and ground and insert an N-MOSFET. Source to ground, drain to the LED, and the gate to your I/O pin.

You will need to make sure it is a 'logic level' MOSFET to ensure that it is fully on when supplied 3.3V.

A high signal on the I/O will turn the LEDs on, and a low level will turn them off.