randim

Hi everyone, I'm trying to control a relay using a 68hc908 Microcontroller. My relay draws 0.28A at 12V while my Microcontroller gives only 5V. I'm thinking of using a seperate power supply for my relay and the 5V of the microcontroller to control the relay. My question is, which type of transistor can i use as a switch for the relay... Any suggestions of common transistors that could be used?? Do I need Resistors or anything to protect the microcontroller from getting fried from return current... Or can i just use the transistor directly with the power supplies and the relay?? I'm not sure where to start any help would be great! Thanks