Device and method for identifying a number of inductive loads in parallel

A device for identifying the number of solenoids/inductive loads connected in parallel to an electric gun driver is provided. In particular, the electric gun driver, which operates a multiple number of dispensing devices with a like number of solenoids for dispensing liquid adhesive on packaging materials, determines the number of solenoids or inductive loads connected in parallel thereto for operation thereof. The device includes an input/output device, a first and a second terminal wherein any number of solenoids are connected therebetween, and a micro-controller connected to the input/output device for determining the number of solenoids connected between the first and second terminals and for supplying an operating current to control the operation of the solenoids as desired by the operator. The device also includes a switch that is toggled on by the micro-controller so that a feedback voltage and a feedback current can be sensed by the micro-controller whereupon the micro-controller determines the actual current supplied to the load and compares this value with predetermined ranges of values so as to determine the number of solenoids connected between the first and second terminals. Based upon this information, the micro-controller appropriately applies a pull-in current and a holding current to ensure the proper operation of the spray gun dispenser.