How to Use TB6612 motor driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TB6612 motor driver is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC designed to control two DC motors or one stepper motor. It enables precise control of motor speed and direction using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals. With its compact design and efficient operation, the TB6612 is widely used in robotics, automation, and other motor control applications. It is particularly popular in projects involving Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontrollers.

• Robotics (e.g., controlling robot wheels)
• Automated conveyor systems
• Remote-controlled vehicles
• Stepper motor control for CNC machines or 3D printers
• DIY electronics and hobby projects

The TB6612 motor driver has the following key technical specifications:

The TB6612 motor driver typically comes in a 16-pin package. Below is the pin configuration:

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, typically 3.3V or 5V).
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of the power supply.

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the motor terminals to the A01 and A02 pins for Motor A, and B01 and B02 pins for Motor B.

3. Control Signals:

   • Use the AIN1 and AIN2 pins to control the direction of Motor A, and BIN1 and BIN2 for Motor B.
   • Use the PWMA and PWMB pins to control the speed of Motor A and Motor B, respectively, by providing PWM signals.
   • Set the STBY pin HIGH to enable the motor driver.

4. Direction and Speed Control:

   • To move a motor forward, set AIN1 HIGH and AIN2 LOW (or vice versa for reverse).
   • Adjust the duty cycle of the PWM signal on PWMA or PWMB to control the motor speed.

Below is an example of how to control two DC motors using the TB6612 motor driver and an Arduino UNO:

// Define motor control pins
#define AIN1 7  // Motor A direction control pin 1
#define AIN2 8  // Motor A direction control pin 2
#define PWMA 9  // Motor A speed control (PWM) pin
#define BIN1 10 // Motor B direction control pin 1
#define BIN2 11 // Motor B direction control pin 2
#define PWMB 3  // Motor B speed control (PWM) pin
#define STBY 6  // Standby pin

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

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

void loop() {
  // Motor A: Forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 128); // 50% duty cycle (128 out of 255)

  // Motor B: Reverse at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(BIN2, HIGH);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 192); // 75% duty cycle (192 out of 255)

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

  // Stop both motors
  analogWrite(PWMA, 0);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 0);

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

• Ensure that the motor power supply voltage (VM) matches the requirements of your motors.
• Do not exceed the maximum continuous current rating of 1.2A per channel to avoid overheating.
• Use appropriate decoupling capacitors near the VM and Vcc pins to reduce noise and ensure stable operation.
• If the motors draw high current, consider adding heat sinks to the TB6612 IC for better thermal management.

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Ensure the STBY pin is set HIGH to enable the motor driver.
   • Verify that the power supply connections (VM, Vcc, and GND) are correct and stable.

2. Motor Running in the Wrong Direction:

   • Check the logic levels on the direction control pins (AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, BIN2).
   • Reverse the motor connections if necessary.

3. Motor Speed Not Changing:

   • Ensure that a valid PWM signal is being sent to the PWMA or PWMB pins.
   • Verify the duty cycle of the PWM signal using an oscilloscope or multimeter.

4. Overheating:

   • Check if the motor current exceeds the maximum rating of 1.2A per channel.
   • Add heat sinks or improve ventilation around the TB6612 IC.

Q: Can the TB6612 control stepper motors?
A: Yes, the TB6612 can control a bipolar stepper motor by using both H-bridge channels. You will need to sequence the control signals appropriately.

Q: Is the TB6612 compatible with 3.3V logic?
A: Yes, the TB6612 is compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic levels.

Q: Can I use the TB6612 with a single motor?
A: Yes, you can use one H-bridge channel to control a single motor, leaving the other channel unused.

Q: What happens if the motor draws more than 1.2A?
A: The TB6612 has built-in overcurrent protection, but prolonged overcurrent conditions may cause the IC to overheat or shut down. Use motors within the specified current limits.