How to Use TB6612FNG: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TB6612FNG is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC designed for controlling two DC motors or one stepper motor. It supports PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for precise speed control and direction management. With a compact design and robust features like thermal shutdown protection, this IC is ideal for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications.

• Robotics and automation systems
• Remote-controlled vehicles
• Conveyor belts and industrial machinery
• DIY electronics projects
• Stepper motor control for 3D printers and CNC machines

• Operating Voltage (Vcc): 2.7V to 5.5V
• Motor Voltage (VM): 4.5V to 13.5V
• Output Current (per channel): 1.2A (continuous), 3.2A (peak)
• Control Method: PWM (up to 100 kHz)
• Standby Current: 1 µA (typical)
• Thermal Shutdown Protection: Yes
• Overcurrent Protection: Yes
• Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +85°C
• Package Type: HTSSOP-20

The TB6612FNG has 20 pins, with the following 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).
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of the circuit.

2. Motor Connections:

   • For Motor A, connect the motor terminals to A01 and A02.
   • For Motor B, connect the motor terminals to B01 and B02.

3. Control Signals:

   • Use the AIN1 and AIN2 pins to control the direction of Motor A.
   • Use the BIN1 and BIN2 pins to control the direction of Motor B.
   • Apply a PWM signal to PWMA and PWMB to control the speed of Motor A and Motor B, respectively.

4. Standby Mode:

   • Set the STBY pin HIGH to enable the IC. Set it LOW to put the IC in standby mode.

• Use decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1 µF and 100 µF) between VM and GND to reduce noise and stabilize the power supply.
• Ensure the motor's current does not exceed the IC's maximum ratings (1.2A continuous, 3.2A peak).
• Use heat sinks or proper ventilation if operating near the maximum current to prevent overheating.
• Avoid leaving unused input pins floating; connect them to GND or VCC as needed.

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

// Define motor control pins
#define AIN1 7  // Motor A direction control pin 1
#define AIN2 6  // Motor A direction control pin 2
#define PWMA 5  // Motor A speed control (PWM) pin
#define BIN1 4  // Motor B direction control pin 1
#define BIN2 3  // Motor B direction control pin 2
#define PWMB 2  // Motor B speed control (PWM) pin
#define STBY 8  // Standby control 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 by setting STBY HIGH
  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 IC.
   • Verify that the power supply voltage for VM and VCC is within the specified range.
   • Check the connections to the motor terminals and control pins.

2. Overheating:

   • Ensure the motor's current does not exceed the IC's maximum ratings.
   • Use proper heat dissipation methods, such as heat sinks or fans.

3. Erratic Motor Behavior:

   • Add decoupling capacitors between VM and GND to reduce noise.
   • Verify the PWM signal frequency and duty cycle.

4. No Response to PWM Signals:

   • Confirm that the PWM pins are correctly connected to the microcontroller.
   • Check the microcontroller's PWM configuration and ensure the signal is being generated.

• Can the TB6612FNG drive stepper motors? Yes, the TB6612FNG can control a bipolar stepper motor by using both H-bridges.

• What happens if the motor current exceeds 1.2A? The IC has overcurrent protection and thermal shutdown features to prevent damage. However, prolonged overcurrent conditions should be avoided.

• Can I use the TB6612FNG with a 3.3V microcontroller? Yes, the TB6612FNG supports logic levels as low as 2.7V, making it compatible with 3.3V systems.