How to Use TB6612FNG: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TB6612FNG is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC manufactured by ASD. It is designed to control two DC motors or one stepper motor with precision and efficiency. This component supports PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for speed control, direction control, and includes built-in safety features such as overcurrent protection and thermal shutdown. Its compact design and versatile functionality make it a popular choice 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

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

The TB6612FNG comes in a 16-pin package. Below is the pin configuration 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 pins 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 and AIN2 pins to control the direction of Motor A, and BIN1 and BIN2 for Motor B.
   • Provide PWM signals to the PWMA and PWMB pins to control the speed of Motor A and Motor B, respectively.
   • Set the STBY pin high to enable the IC.

4. Logic Levels:

   • Ensure that the control signals are within the logic voltage range (2.7V to 5.5V).

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

// Define motor control pins
const int AIN1 = 2;  // Motor A direction pin 1
const int AIN2 = 3;  // Motor A direction pin 2
const int PWMA = 5;  // Motor A speed control (PWM)
const int BIN1 = 7;  // Motor B direction pin 1
const int BIN2 = 8;  // Motor B direction pin 2
const int PWMB = 6;  // Motor B speed control (PWM)
const int STBY = 4;  // 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() {
  // Example: Run Motor A forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 128);  // 50% duty cycle (0-255)

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

  delay(2000);  // Run for 2 seconds

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

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

• Always ensure that the motor voltage (VM) does not exceed 13.5V.
• Use appropriate decoupling capacitors near the power supply pins to reduce noise.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum continuous current rating of 1.2A per channel.
• Ensure proper heat dissipation to prevent thermal shutdown.

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Verify that the STBY pin is set high to enable the IC.
   • Check the power supply connections for VM and VCC.

2. Motor Running in the Wrong Direction:

   • Swap the logic levels on the direction control pins (AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, BIN2).

3. Overheating:

   • Ensure that the current drawn by the motors does not exceed the IC's maximum rating.
   • Add a heatsink or improve ventilation if necessary.

4. PWM Signal Not Working:

   • Verify that the PWM signal is within the correct frequency range (typically 20kHz or lower).
   • Check the connections to the PWMA and PWMB pins.

Q: Can the TB6612FNG drive stepper motors?
A: Yes, the TB6612FNG can control a bipolar stepper motor by using both H-bridge channels.

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.

Q: Can I use the TB6612FNG with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the logic voltage range (2.7V to 5.5V) is compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers.

Q: Is it necessary to use external diodes for motor protection?
A: No, the TB6612FNG has built-in flyback diodes for motor protection.