How to Use DRV8833 Dual Motor Driver Carrier: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The DRV8833 Dual Motor Driver Carrier by Pololu is a compact and efficient motor driver board designed to control two DC motors or one stepper motor. It is capable of providing up to 1.2A continuous current per channel, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The built-in protection features, such as over-current protection, under-voltage lockout, and thermal shutdown, ensure reliable operation even in demanding environments.

• Robotics: Controlling the movement of small robots and robotic arms.
• Automated Systems: Driving motors in conveyor belts, automated doors, and other machinery.
• DIY Projects: Ideal for hobbyists building remote-controlled cars, boats, and other motorized projects.
• Educational Kits: Used in educational kits to teach students about motor control and electronics.

1. Power Supply:

   • Connect the VM pin to the motor power supply (2.7V to 10.8V).
   • Connect the VCC pin to the logic power supply (2.7V to 5.5V).
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of both power supplies.

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the motor A to the AO1 and AO2 pins.
   • Connect the motor B to the BO1 and BO2 pins.

3. Control Inputs:

   • Use PWM signals or logic levels to control the AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, and BIN2 pins.
   • To enable the driver, ensure the nSLEEP pin is pulled high.

• Heat Dissipation: Ensure adequate ventilation or heat sinking if operating near the maximum current rating.
• Power Supply: Use a stable power supply to avoid voltage spikes that could trigger protection features.
• Decoupling Capacitors: Place decoupling capacitors close to the power supply pins to filter out noise.
• Fault Handling: Monitor the nFAULT pin to detect and handle fault conditions.

// Example code to control two DC motors using DRV8833 and Arduino UNO

// Define motor control pins
const int AIN1 = 9;
const int AIN2 = 10;
const int BIN1 = 11;
const int BIN2 = 12;

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

void loop() {
  // Motor A forward
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  
  // Motor B forward
  digitalWrite(BIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(BIN2, LOW);
  
  delay(1000); // Run motors for 1 second
  
  // Motor A backward
  digitalWrite(AIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(AIN2, HIGH);
  
  // Motor B backward
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(BIN2, HIGH);
  
  delay(1000); // Run motors for 1 second
  
  // Stop motors
  digitalWrite(AIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(BIN2, LOW);
  
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Solution: Check power supply connections and ensure the nSLEEP pin is high.

2. Overheating:

   • Solution: Ensure proper ventilation and consider adding a heat sink.

3. Fault Indicator Active (nFAULT pin low):

   • Solution: Check for over-current, under-voltage, or thermal shutdown conditions.

4. Erratic Motor Behavior:

   • Solution: Verify control signal integrity and ensure decoupling capacitors are in place.

• Check Connections: Ensure all connections are secure and correct.
• Monitor Power Supply: Use a stable power supply and check for voltage drops.
• Use Proper Code: Ensure the control signals are correctly implemented in your code.
• Consult Datasheet: Refer to the DRV8833 datasheet for detailed information on protection features and operating conditions.

By following this documentation, users can effectively utilize the DRV8833 Dual Motor Driver Carrier in their projects, ensuring reliable and efficient motor control.