How to Use MDDS30 A CYTRON MOTER DRIVER: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The MDDS30 Cytron Motor Driver is a robust module designed for controlling two DC motors with directional and speed control capabilities. It is suitable for a variety of applications, including robotics, electric vehicles, and automation systems. The driver accepts a wide range of input voltages and uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for precise control over motor speed.

• Robotics: Driving wheels or tracks on robotic vehicles.
• Automation: Controlling conveyor belts, linear actuators, or other machinery.
• Electric Vehicles: Managing propulsion and steering systems.
• Hobby Projects: DIY projects requiring motor control, such as RC cars or boats.

• Operating Voltage: 7V to 35V
• Continuous Current: Up to 30A per channel
• Peak Current: 80A (maximum 10 seconds per minute)
• Logic Input Voltage: 3.3V to 5V
• PWM Frequency: Up to 20kHz
• Control Signal: PWM and Direction inputs

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the motor power supply to the V+ and GND terminals.
   • Ensure the power supply voltage is within the specified range (7V to 35V).

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the terminals of Motor 1 to M1A and M1B.
   • Connect the terminals of Motor 2 to M2A and M2B.

3. Control Signal Connections:

   • Connect the PWM signal for Motor 1 to PWM1 and the direction signal to DIR1.
   • Connect the PWM signal for Motor 2 to PWM2 and the direction signal to DIR2.
   • Alternatively, use AN1 and AN2 for analog speed control.

4. Enable the Driver:

   • Connect the EN pin to a logic HIGH signal to enable the driver.

• Ensure that the power supply can handle the current requirements of your motors.
• Use appropriate gauge wires for the motor and power connections to handle the current draw.
• Always provide a proper heat dissipation mechanism for the driver when operating at high currents.
• Avoid running the motor driver at its peak current for extended periods to prevent overheating and damage.
• Implement an emergency stop mechanism to quickly disable the motor driver in case of malfunction.

• Motor not running: Check power supply connections, ensure the EN pin is set to HIGH, and verify that the PWM and DIR signals are being sent correctly.
• Overheating: Ensure proper heat dissipation, check for overcurrent conditions, and verify that the duty cycle of the PWM signal is not too high for extended periods.
• Erratic motor behavior: Confirm that the PWM frequency is within the specified range and that the control signals are not noisy.

• Motor not running: Double-check wiring and signal connections. Use a multimeter to verify the presence of voltage at the motor terminals.
• Overheating: Attach a heatsink or fan to the motor driver, reduce the load on the motors, or decrease the duty cycle of the PWM signal.
• Erratic motor behavior: Use a shorter cable for the control signals, add a decoupling capacitor close to the motor driver, or shield the cables to reduce noise.

// Example code to control a motor using the MDDS30 Cytron Motor Driver
#include <Arduino.h>

// Define control pins
const int pwmPin1 = 3; // PWM input for Motor 1
const int dirPin1 = 4; // Direction input for Motor 1

void setup() {
  // Set control pins as outputs
  pinMode(pwmPin1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(dirPin1, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Set Motor 1 direction to forward
  digitalWrite(dirPin1, HIGH);
  
  // Ramp up the speed
  for (int speed = 0; speed <= 255; speed++) {
    analogWrite(pwmPin1, speed);
    delay(10);
  }
  
  // Ramp down the speed
  for (int speed = 255; speed >= 0; speed--) {
    analogWrite(pwmPin1, speed);
    delay(10);
  }
  
  // Change direction to reverse
  digitalWrite(dirPin1, LOW);
  
  // Repeat the ramp up and down with reverse direction
  for (int speed = 0; speed <= 255; speed++) {
    analogWrite(pwmPin1, speed);
    delay(10);
  }
  
  for (int speed = 255; speed >= 0; speed--) {
    analogWrite(pwmPin1, speed);
    delay(10);
  }
}

Note: The above code is a simple demonstration of controlling a motor's speed and direction using PWM. Adjust the pwmPin1 and dirPin1 variables to match your actual control pin connections on the Arduino UNO.