TB6612/DRV8833 Dual DC Motor Driver Board Module
= 1A Dual Motor Driver Microcontroller Better Than L298N =
This highefficiency dual motor driver module features the TB6612FNG (or equivalent DRV8833) chip, offering superior PWM speed control for two DC motors or one stepper motor. As a modern MOSFETbased alternative to the classic L298N, it delivers higher efficiency and lower heat generation .
Superior Efficiency - MOSFET design with lower voltage drop and less heat than L298N
Dual Motor Control - 1A continuous (3.2A peak) per channel with independent PWM
Motor supply voltage (VM) is 2.7V to 15V (TB6612) or 10.8V max (DRV8833)
Pull STBY pin HIGH to activate; LOW enters low-power sleep mode
Do not exceed 15V on motor supply (VM)
= Technical Specifications =
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Driver IC | TB6612FNG / DRV8833 |
| Logic Voltage | 2.7V to 5.5V |
| Motor Voltage (VM) | 2.7V to 15V |
| Continuous Current | 1.2A per channel |
| Peak Current | 3.2A per channel |
| PWM Frequency | Up to 100kHz |
| Control Modes | CW, CCW, short-brake, stop |
= Key Features =
MOSFET HBridge Higher efficiency than L298N's BJT design
Builtin Protection Thermal shutdown, overcurrent, undervoltage lockout
Standby Mode STBY pin for ultralow power sleep
Compact Form Factor - Small footprint for tight projects
Four Control Modes Forward, reverse, shortbrake, and stop
== Applications ==
- Arduino and Raspberry Pi robotics
- 3D printers and CNC machines
- Small motor control projects
- Line-following and sumo robots
- Wireless remote-controlled vehicles
MOSFET Design - Runs cooler than L298N, often no heatsink needed
Standby Mode - Saves battery power in portable robots
√ Builtin flyback diodes No external components needed
√ 0.1" pin headers Breadboardfriendly design
√ Direct L298N upgrade path - More efficient in similar applications
= Connection Guide =
Control pins (per channel):
- IN1/IN2: Direction control (CW, CCW, stop, brake)
- PWMA/PWMB: PWM speed control input (0-100%)
- STBY: Enable/standby (HIGH = active)
Power terminals:
- VM: Motor supply (2.7V to 15V)
- VCC: Logic supply (2.7V to 5.5V)
- GND: Common ground
Connect STBY to VCC for normal operation
Use PWM frequency up to 100kHz for smooth motor control
Logic supply must match microcontroller voltage (3.3V/5V)
VM and VCC can differ within specified ranges
= TB6612 vs L298N Comparison =
MOSFET-based TB6612 offers significant advantages:
- 90%+ efficiency vs 60-70% for L298N
- Minimal heat vs L298N requiring large heatsinks
- Compact size vs bulky L298N modules
- Built-in flyback diodes vs external required
Better Efficiency - MOSFET design reduces power loss
Cooler Operation - Minimal heat generation
√ Great for battery-powered projects
√ Supports 3.3V and 5V logic levels
= Troubleshooting =
Motor not running:
- Check STBY pin HIGH for normal operation
- Verify VM and VCC power supplies
- Avoid loose connections
Excessive heat:
- Check for motor current exceeding 1.2A continuous
- Reduce PWM duty cycle
- Consider using both channels in parallel for high-current motors
Communication failure:
- Use PWM frequency up to 100kHz
- Check logic voltage compatibility
- Avoid using 5V logic with 3.3V MCU
