How to Use BTS7960 Motor Driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The BTS7960 Motor Driver is a high-power, high-efficiency H-bridge driver module that is capable of driving brushed DC motors. It integrates two H-bridge channels and is capable of providing a continuous current of up to 43A. The BTS7960 is commonly used in robotics, automotive applications, and in any system requiring the control of high-power DC motors.

• Robotics: driving DC motors for wheels, arms, or other moving parts.
• Automotive: controlling electric vehicles' DC motors.
• Industrial automation: driving motors for conveyor belts, pumps, or fans.
• Hobby projects: powering high-current devices in custom builds.

• Supply Voltage (Vcc): 5.5V to 27V
• Output Current (Continuous): 43A
• Output Peak Current: 45A (short duration)
• PWM Capability: Yes, up to 25kHz
• Logic Level Voltage: 3.3V/5V compatible
• Thermal Shutdown: Yes
• Overcurrent Shutdown: Yes
• Weight: Approximately 30g

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the motor's positive lead to the Motor+ pin (9).
   • Connect the motor's negative lead to the Motor- pin (10).
   • Connect a suitable power supply to the Motor+ and Motor- pins, ensuring it matches the motor's requirements and does not exceed the BTS7960's voltage rating.

2. Logic Connections:

   • Connect the microcontroller's PWM output pins to the RPWM and LPWM pins for speed and direction control.
   • Connect the R_EN and L_EN pins to the microcontroller's digital output pins to enable or disable the motor driver.
   • Connect the Vcc pin to the microcontroller's 5V output, and the GND pin to the ground.

3. Control:

   • To drive the motor in one direction, apply a PWM signal to the RPWM pin and set the LPWM pin to LOW.
   • To drive the motor in the opposite direction, apply a PWM signal to the LPWM pin and set the RPWM pin to LOW.
   • To brake the motor, set both RPWM and LPWM to LOW.
   • To let the motor coast, set both RPWM and LPWM to HIGH.

• Always use a proper heat sink to dissipate heat during operation.
• Ensure that the power supply can handle the motor's current requirements.
• Use flyback diodes across the motor terminals to protect against voltage spikes.
• Avoid running the motor driver at its maximum ratings for extended periods to prevent overheating.
• Implement proper current sensing to prevent damage due to overcurrent conditions.

• Motor not running: Check power supply connections, ensure that the enable pins are set high, and verify that the PWM signals are being generated correctly.
• Overheating: Make sure a heat sink is attached, reduce the load on the motor, or improve ventilation.
• Erratic motor behavior: Confirm that the logic level voltages are correct and that there is no noise in the PWM signal.

• Double-check wiring and solder joints for any loose connections or shorts.
• Use an oscilloscope to verify the PWM signal integrity.
• Ensure that the logic supply voltage (Vcc) is stable and within the specified range.

Q: Can I control two motors with one BTS7960? A: Yes, the BTS7960 has two H-bridge channels, allowing you to control two motors independently.

Q: What is the maximum PWM frequency the BTS7960 can handle? A: The BTS7960 can handle PWM frequencies up to 25kHz.

Q: How do I use the current sense output? A: The current sense outputs (R_IS and L_IS) can be connected to an analog input on a microcontroller to monitor the current through the motor.

// Define the BTS7960 control pins
const int RPWM = 3; // Right PWM pin connected to Arduino pin 3
const int LPWM = 5; // Left PWM pin connected to Arduino pin 5
const int R_EN = 2; // Right Enable pin connected to Arduino pin 2
const int L_EN = 4; // Left Enable pin connected to Arduino pin 4

void setup() {
  // Set the control pins as outputs
  pinMode(RPWM, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(LPWM, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(R_EN, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(L_EN, OUTPUT);

  // Enable the motor driver
  digitalWrite(R_EN, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(L_EN, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Drive motor forward at full speed
  analogWrite(RPWM, 255); // Full speed forward
  digitalWrite(LPWM, LOW); // Ensure LPWM is LOW when driving forward
  delay(2000);             // Run for 2 seconds

  // Brake the motor
  digitalWrite(RPWM, LOW);
  digitalWrite(LPWM, LOW);
  delay(1000);             // Brake for 1 second

  // Drive motor in reverse at half speed
  digitalWrite(RPWM, LOW); // Ensure RPWM is LOW when driving in reverse
  analogWrite(LPWM, 127);  // Half speed reverse
  delay(2000);             // Run for 2 seconds

  // Brake the motor
  digitalWrite(RPWM, LOW);
  digitalWrite(LPWM, LOW);
  delay(1000);             // Brake for 1 second
}

This example demonstrates basic forward and reverse motor control using the BTS7960 motor driver with an Arduino UNO. Adjust the PWM values to control the speed of the motor.