How to Use TB661 2FNG Motor Drive: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TB6612FNG is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC designed for controlling DC motors and stepper motors. It is capable of driving motors with high efficiency and includes built-in features such as thermal shutdown, overcurrent protection, and low standby current. This makes it an excellent choice for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications.

• Robotics: Driving wheels or actuators in robotic systems
• Automation: Controlling conveyor belts or other motorized mechanisms
• DIY Projects: Motorized toys, RC vehicles, and hobbyist electronics
• Stepper Motor Control: Driving stepper motors in CNC machines or 3D printers

The TB6612FNG is a versatile motor driver with the following key specifications:

The TB6612FNG has 16 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 A01 and A02 for Motor A, and B01 and B02 for Motor B.

3. Control Signals:

   • Use the AIN1, AIN2, and PWMA pins to control Motor A.
   • Use the BIN1, BIN2, and PWMB pins to control Motor B.
   • Apply a PWM signal to the PWMA and PWMB pins to control motor speed.
   • Set the STBY pin high to enable the IC.

4. Logic Table for Motor Control:

   • The following table shows how to control the motor direction and braking:

Below is an example of how to control a DC motor using the TB6612FNG and an Arduino UNO:

• Connect AIN1 to Arduino pin 7.
• Connect AIN2 to Arduino pin 8.
• Connect PWMA to Arduino pin 9 (PWM pin).
• Connect STBY to Arduino pin 10.
• Connect VM to a 9V motor power supply.
• Connect VCC to the Arduino 5V pin.
• Connect GND to the Arduino GND pin.

// Define control pins for Motor A
const int AIN1 = 7;  // Motor A direction control pin 1
const int AIN2 = 8;  // Motor A direction control pin 2
const int PWMA = 9;  // Motor A speed control (PWM) pin
const int STBY = 10; // Standby pin

void setup() {
  // Set pin modes
  pinMode(AIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(AIN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PWMA, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(STBY, OUTPUT);

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

void loop() {
  // Rotate motor forward
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);  // Set direction
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 128);    // Set speed (0-255)

  delay(2000);               // Run for 2 seconds

  // Rotate motor backward
  digitalWrite(AIN1, LOW);   // Reverse direction
  digitalWrite(AIN2, HIGH);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 128);    // Maintain same speed

  delay(2000);               // Run for 2 seconds

  // Stop the motor
  digitalWrite(AIN1, LOW);   // Stop motor
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 0);      // Set speed to 0

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

• Ensure the motor power supply voltage (VM) matches the motor's rated voltage.
• Use appropriate decoupling capacitors near the VM and VCC pins to reduce noise.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum current rating to prevent damage to the IC.
• Use a heatsink or proper ventilation if operating at high currents for extended periods.

1. Motor Not Spinning:

   • Ensure the STBY pin is set high to enable the IC.
   • Verify that the control signals (AIN1, AIN2, PWMA) are correctly configured.

2. Motor Spins in the Wrong Direction:

   • Check the wiring of the motor terminals.
   • Reverse the logic levels on AIN1 and AIN2 to change the direction.

3. Overheating:

   • Ensure the motor current does not exceed the IC's maximum rating.
   • Add a heatsink or improve ventilation around the IC.

4. No Output Voltage on Motor Pins:

   • Verify that the VM and VCC power supplies are within the specified range.
   • Check for any short circuits or loose connections.

Q: Can the TB6612FNG drive stepper motors?
A: Yes, the TB6612FNG can drive stepper motors by controlling the two H-bridges in a coordinated manner. Use a stepper motor library for easier implementation with microcontrollers.

Q: What happens if the IC overheats?
A: The TB6612FNG has a built-in thermal shutdown feature that disables the outputs to protect the IC from damage.

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.