How to Use TB6612FNG motor driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TB6612FNG is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC designed to control two DC motors or one stepper motor. It supports features such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, direction control, and current sensing, making it a versatile choice for motor control applications. This compact and efficient IC is widely used in robotics, automation systems, and other projects requiring precise motor control.

• Robotics (e.g., controlling wheels or robotic arms)
• Automated conveyor systems
• Remote-controlled vehicles
• Stepper motor-based positioning systems
• DIY electronics and Arduino projects

The TB6612FNG motor driver offers robust performance with the following key specifications:

The TB6612FNG has 20 pins, each serving a specific function. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the VM pin to the motor power supply (4.5V to 13.5V).
   • Connect the VCC pin to the logic power supply (2.7V to 5.5V).
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of the circuit.

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the motor terminals to the A01 and A02 pins for Motor A, and B01 and B02 pins for Motor B.

3. Control Signals:

   • Use the AIN1 and AIN2 pins to control the direction of Motor A, and BIN1 and BIN2 for Motor B.
   • Provide a PWM signal to the PWMA and PWMB pins to control the speed of Motor A and Motor B, respectively.
   • Set the STBY pin HIGH to enable the IC.

4. Direction Control:

   • Set AIN1 HIGH and AIN2 LOW to rotate Motor A in one direction.
   • Set AIN1 LOW and AIN2 HIGH to rotate Motor A in the opposite direction.
   • Similarly, use BIN1 and BIN2 for Motor B.

5. PWM Speed Control:

   • Provide a PWM signal (0% to 100% duty cycle) to the PWMA and PWMB pins to control the speed of the motors.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to control two DC motors using the TB6612FNG:

// Define motor control pins
const int AIN1 = 7;  // Motor A direction control pin 1
const int AIN2 = 6;  // Motor A direction control pin 2
const int PWMA = 5;  // Motor A speed control (PWM) pin
const int BIN1 = 4;  // Motor B direction control pin 1
const int BIN2 = 3;  // Motor B direction control pin 2
const int PWMB = 2;  // Motor B speed control (PWM) pin
const int STBY = 8;  // Standby pin

void setup() {
  // Set motor control pins as outputs
  pinMode(AIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(AIN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PWMA, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(BIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(BIN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PWMB, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(STBY, OUTPUT);

  // Enable the motor driver by setting STBY HIGH
  digitalWrite(STBY, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Rotate Motor A forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);  // Set direction
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 128);    // Set speed (128 = 50% duty cycle)

  // Example: Rotate Motor B backward at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW);   // Set direction
  digitalWrite(BIN2, HIGH);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 192);    // Set speed (192 = 75% duty cycle)

  delay(2000);               // Run motors for 2 seconds

  // Stop both motors
  analogWrite(PWMA, 0);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 0);

  delay(2000);               // Wait for 2 seconds
}

• Ensure that the motor power supply voltage (VM) matches the requirements of your motors.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum continuous current rating (1.2A per channel) to prevent overheating.
• Use appropriate decoupling capacitors near the VM and VCC pins to reduce noise and improve stability.
• Always set the STBY pin HIGH to enable the IC before sending control signals.

1. Motors Not Spinning:

   • Ensure the STBY pin is set HIGH to enable the IC.
   • Verify that the motor power supply (VM) and logic power supply (VCC) are connected and within the specified voltage range.

2. Motor Spins in the Wrong Direction:

   • Check the connections to the AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, and BIN2 pins.
   • Reverse the logic levels on the direction control pins to change the motor's rotation direction.

3. Motor Speed is Inconsistent:

   • Ensure the PWM signal is stable and within the correct frequency range (typically 20kHz or higher).
   • Check for loose connections or insufficient power supply.

4. IC Overheating:

   • Verify that the current drawn by the motors does not exceed the maximum continuous current rating (1.2A per channel).
   • Consider adding a heat sink or improving ventilation around the IC.

Q: Can the TB6612FNG drive stepper motors?
A: Yes, the TB6612FNG can drive a bipolar stepper motor by controlling the two H-bridges. You will need to sequence the control signals appropriately.

Q: What is the purpose of the STBY pin?
A: The STBY pin is used to enable or disable the IC. Setting it LOW puts the IC in standby mode, reducing power consumption.

Q: Can I use the TB6612FNG with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the TB6612FNG supports logic levels as low as 2.7V, making it compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers.

Q: What is the maximum PWM frequency supported?
A: The TB6612FNG can handle PWM frequencies up to 100kHz, but typical applications use frequencies around 20kHz.