How to Use VNH2SP30: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The VNH2SP30 is a high-current H-bridge motor driver designed to control DC motors and stepper motors. Manufactured by Arduino, this robust component is capable of handling high currents and features built-in protections such as overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown, and under-voltage lockout. These features make it an excellent choice for applications in robotics, automation, and motor control systems.

• Robotics: Driving motors for robotic arms, wheels, or tracks.
• Automation: Controlling conveyor belts or automated systems.
• Remote-controlled vehicles: Powering motors for cars, boats, or drones.
• Industrial equipment: Operating stepper motors in precision machinery.

The VNH2SP30 is a versatile motor driver with the following key specifications:

The VNH2SP30 has 15 pins, each serving a specific function. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a power supply (5.5V to 16V) capable of providing sufficient current for your motor. Connect the GND pin to the system ground.
2. Motor Connections: Connect the motor terminals to the OUTA and OUTB pins.
3. Logic Inputs: Use INA and INB to control the motor's direction. Apply a PWM signal to the PWM pin to control the motor speed.
4. Enable Pins: Set ENA and ENB to a high logic level to enable the H-bridge.
5. Current Monitoring: Optionally, connect the CS pin to an analog input on a microcontroller to monitor the motor current.
6. Fault Detection: Use the DIAG/EN pin to detect faults such as overcurrent or thermal shutdown.

• Ensure the power supply can handle the motor's current requirements, including peak currents.
• Use appropriate heat sinks or cooling mechanisms to prevent overheating during high-current operation.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum voltage and current ratings to prevent damage to the component.
• Use decoupling capacitors near the VCC pin to reduce noise and voltage spikes.

Below is an example of how to control a DC motor using the VNH2SP30 and an Arduino UNO:

• Connect the VNH2SP30's VCC to a 12V power supply and GND to the Arduino's GND.
• Connect OUTA and OUTB to the motor terminals.
• Connect INA, INB, and PWM to Arduino digital pins 7, 8, and 9, respectively.
• Connect ENA and ENB to 5V (logic high) to enable the H-bridge.

// Define pin connections
const int INA = 7;  // Input A for motor direction
const int INB = 8;  // Input B for motor direction
const int PWM = 9;  // PWM pin for motor speed control

void setup() {
  // Set pin modes
  pinMode(INA, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(INB, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PWM, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Rotate motor forward
  digitalWrite(INA, HIGH);  // Set direction to forward
  digitalWrite(INB, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWM, 128);    // Set speed to 50% (128 out of 255)
  delay(2000);              // Run for 2 seconds

  // Rotate motor backward
  digitalWrite(INA, LOW);   // Set direction to backward
  digitalWrite(INB, HIGH);
  analogWrite(PWM, 128);    // Set speed to 50%
  delay(2000);              // Run for 2 seconds

  // Stop motor
  digitalWrite(INA, LOW);
  digitalWrite(INB, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWM, 0);      // Set speed to 0
  delay(2000);              // Stop for 2 seconds
}

1. Motor Not Spinning

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or logic inputs.
   • Solution: Double-check the connections and ensure INA, INB, and PWM are receiving the correct signals.

2. Overheating

   • Cause: Excessive current draw or insufficient cooling.
   • Solution: Use a heat sink or fan to dissipate heat. Ensure the motor's current is within the VNH2SP30's limits.

3. No Response from the Driver

   • Cause: Fault condition triggered (e.g., overcurrent or thermal shutdown).
   • Solution: Check the DIAG/EN pin for fault diagnostics. Allow the driver to cool down if thermal shutdown occurred.

4. PWM Signal Not Working

   • Cause: Incorrect PWM frequency or duty cycle.
   • Solution: Ensure the PWM frequency is within the supported range (up to 20 kHz) and the duty cycle is set correctly.

• Can the VNH2SP30 drive stepper motors? Yes, it can drive stepper motors by controlling the coils with appropriate logic signals.

• What is the purpose of the CS pin? The CS pin provides a voltage proportional to the motor current, which can be used for current monitoring or feedback.

• Is the VNH2SP30 compatible with 3.3V logic? No, the logic inputs require 5V signals. Use a level shifter if interfacing with a 3.3V microcontroller.

• How do I reset the driver after a fault? Toggle the DIAG/EN pin or cycle the power to reset the driver.