How to Use DRV 8835 Motor Driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The DRV 8835 is a dual H-bridge motor driver manufactured by Pololu, designed for controlling DC motors and stepper motors. It supports motor supply voltages ranging from 0V to 11V and can deliver up to 1.2A continuous current per channel (or 1.5A peak). This compact and efficient motor driver is ideal for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications.

• Robotics: Driving wheels or actuators in small robots
• Automation: Controlling conveyor belts or small mechanisms
• DIY Projects: Building motorized toys or gadgets
• Stepper Motor Control: Driving small stepper motors in CNC machines or 3D printers

The following table outlines the key technical details of the DRV 8835 motor driver:

The DRV 8835 motor driver has the following pinout:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the motor power supply (VM) to the VM pin. Ensure the voltage is within the 0V to 11V range.
   • Connect the logic power supply (VCC) to the VCC pin. Ensure the voltage is within the 1.8V to 7V range.
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of your power supply.

2. Motor Connections:

   • For motor A, connect its terminals to AOUT1 and AOUT2.
   • For motor B, connect its terminals to BOUT1 and BOUT2.

3. Control Signals:

   • Use the AIN1 and AIN2 pins to control motor A.
   • Use the BIN1 and BIN2 pins to control motor B.
   • Apply PWM signals to these pins for speed control, or use them in a PHASE/ENABLE configuration for direction and speed control.

4. Enable the Driver:

   • Ensure the control signals are within the logic voltage range (1.8V to 7V).
   • Use a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino UNO) to generate the control signals.

• Current Limiting: Ensure the motor's current draw does not exceed the driver's maximum continuous current rating (1.2A per channel).
• Heat Dissipation: If operating near the maximum current, consider adding a heatsink or improving ventilation to prevent thermal shutdown.
• Decoupling Capacitors: Place a capacitor (e.g., 100µF) across the VM and GND pins to stabilize the motor power supply.
• Avoid Reverse Polarity: Ensure correct polarity for both the motor and logic power supplies to prevent damage.

Below is an example of how to control two DC motors using the DRV 8835 with an Arduino UNO:

// Define motor control pins
const int AIN1 = 3;  // Motor A input 1 (PWM)
const int AIN2 = 4;  // Motor A input 2
const int BIN1 = 5;  // Motor B input 1 (PWM)
const int BIN2 = 6;  // Motor B input 2

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

void loop() {
  // Example: Drive motor A forward at 50% speed
  analogWrite(AIN1, 128);  // PWM signal (0-255)
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW); // Set direction

  // Example: Drive motor B backward at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW); // Set direction
  analogWrite(BIN2, 192);  // PWM signal (0-255)

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

  // Stop both motors
  digitalWrite(AIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(BIN2, LOW);

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

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Verify that the motor power supply (VM) and logic power supply (VCC) are connected and within the specified voltage ranges.
   • Check the control signals (AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, BIN2) to ensure they are being correctly generated by the microcontroller.

2. Driver Overheating:

   • Ensure the motor's current draw does not exceed 1.2A per channel.
   • Improve ventilation or add a heatsink to the driver.

3. Erratic Motor Behavior:

   • Add a decoupling capacitor (e.g., 100µF) across the VM and GND pins to stabilize the power supply.
   • Check for loose or incorrect wiring connections.

4. Arduino Code Not Working:

   • Verify that the correct pins are defined in the code and connected to the driver.
   • Ensure the Arduino is powered and properly uploading the code.

Q: Can the DRV 8835 drive stepper motors?
A: Yes, the DRV 8835 can drive small stepper motors by controlling both H-bridges. You will need to generate the appropriate step and direction signals.

Q: What happens if the motor draws more than 1.2A?
A: The driver includes overcurrent protection and will shut down temporarily to prevent damage. Reduce the motor load or use a motor with lower current requirements.

Q: Can I use the DRV 8835 with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the DRV 8835 supports logic voltages as low as 1.8V, making it compatible with 3.3V systems.