How to Use TB6612FNG Motor Driver Module: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TB6612FNG Motor Driver Module, manufactured by Breakout, is a compact and efficient dual H-bridge motor driver designed to control two DC motors or one stepper motor. It supports features such as PWM speed control, direction control, and built-in thermal protection, making it ideal for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications. Its small size and versatility make it a popular choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.

• Robotics and automation systems
• Remote-controlled vehicles
• Conveyor belts and motorized platforms
• DIY projects involving DC or stepper motors
• Educational electronics and prototyping

The TB6612FNG Motor Driver Module is designed to provide reliable motor control with the following key specifications:

The TB6612FNG module has 16 pins, which are described in the table below:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V logic power supply.
   • Connect the VM pin to the motor power supply (4.5V to 13.5V).
   • Connect the GND pins to the ground of your circuit.

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the motor terminals to AO1 and AO2 for Motor A, and BO1 and BO2 for Motor B.

3. Control Pins:

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

4. PWM Control:

   • Provide a PWM signal (up to 100 kHz) to the PWMA and PWMB pins to control motor speed.

• 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 heat dissipation methods if operating near the peak current limit.
• Always set the STBY pin HIGH to enable the module before sending control signals.
• Use decoupling capacitors near the power supply pins to reduce noise and improve stability.

Below is an example code snippet to control two DC motors using the TB6612FNG module with an Arduino UNO:

// Define TB6612FNG 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 PWM speed control pin
#define BIN1 10 // Motor B direction control pin 1
#define BIN2 11 // Motor B direction control pin 2
#define PWMB 3  // Motor B PWM speed control pin
#define STBY 6  // Standby pin

void setup() {
  // Set 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 module
  digitalWrite(STBY, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Motor A: Forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 128); // 50% duty cycle (0-255)

  // Motor B: Reverse at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(BIN2, HIGH);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 192); // 75% duty cycle (0-255)

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

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

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

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Ensure the STBY pin is set HIGH to enable the module.
   • Verify that the power supply voltages (VCC and VM) are within the specified range.
   • Check the motor connections to AO1, AO2, BO1, and BO2.

2. Overheating:

   • Ensure the current drawn by the motors does not exceed 1.2A per channel.
   • Use heat sinks or active cooling if operating near the peak current limit.

3. Erratic Motor Behavior:

   • Verify the PWM signal frequency and duty cycle.
   • Add decoupling capacitors to the power supply lines to reduce noise.

4. No Response to Control Signals:

   • Check the wiring of the control pins (AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, BIN2, PWMA, PWMB).
   • Ensure the Arduino or microcontroller logic voltage matches the VCC pin voltage.

Q: Can I use the TB6612FNG to control a stepper motor?
A: Yes, the TB6612FNG can control a bipolar stepper motor by driving its two coils using the dual H-bridge configuration.

Q: What happens if the module overheats?
A: The TB6612FNG has built-in thermal shutdown protection, which disables the outputs to prevent damage. Allow the module to cool before resuming operation.

Q: Can I use a 12V motor with this module?
A: Yes, as long as the motor's operating voltage is within the VM range (4.5V to 13.5V) and the current does not exceed 1.2A per channel.