How to Use Motor Driver 1A Dual TB6612FNG: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Motor Driver 1A Dual TB6612FNG (Manufacturer Part ID: DEV-09457) by SparkFun Electronics is a compact and efficient motor driver designed to control two DC motors simultaneously. It supports a maximum output current of 1A per channel and features PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control for precise speed regulation and direction control. This makes it an ideal choice for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications.

• Robotics and mobile platforms
• Automated conveyor systems
• DIY motorized projects
• Educational electronics and prototyping
• Small-scale industrial automation

Below are the key technical details of the TB6612FNG motor driver:

The TB6612FNG motor driver has 16 pins. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the logic power supply (2.7V to 5.5V) to the VCC pin.
   • Connect the motor power supply (4.5V to 13.5V) to the VM pin.
   • Connect all GND pins to the ground of your circuit.

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the terminals of Motor A to AO1 and AO2.
   • Connect the terminals of Motor B to BO1 and BO2.

3. Control Connections:

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

4. PWM Control:

   • Provide a PWM signal (0-100% duty cycle) to the PWMA and PWMB pins to control motor speed.

• Ensure that the motor power supply voltage (VM) matches the voltage rating of your motors.
• Do not exceed the maximum continuous current rating of 1A per channel to avoid overheating.
• Use appropriate decoupling capacitors near the VCC and VM pins to stabilize the power supply.
• Always set the STBY pin LOW when the motor driver is not in use to minimize power consumption.
• Use heat sinks or proper ventilation if operating near the maximum current limit for extended periods.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to control two DC motors using the TB6612FNG motor driver:

// Pin definitions for Motor A
const int AIN1 = 7;  // Direction pin 1 for Motor A
const int AIN2 = 8;  // Direction pin 2 for Motor A
const int PWMA = 9;  // PWM pin for Motor A

// Pin definitions for Motor B
const int BIN1 = 4;  // Direction pin 1 for Motor B
const int BIN2 = 5;  // Direction pin 2 for Motor B
const int PWMB = 6;  // PWM pin for Motor B

// Standby pin
const int STBY = 10;

void setup() {
  // Set pin modes
  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 (128 out of 255)

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

  delay(2000);  // Run for 2 seconds

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

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

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Ensure the STBY pin is set HIGH to enable the motor driver.
   • Verify that the power supply voltages (VCC and VM) are within the specified range.
   • Check the connections to the motor terminals and control pins.

2. Motor Running in the Wrong Direction:

   • Swap the logic levels of the direction pins (AIN1/AIN2 or BIN1/BIN2).

3. Overheating:

   • Ensure the current drawn by the motors does not exceed 1A per channel.
   • Use heat sinks or improve ventilation if necessary.

4. PWM Signal Not Working:

   • Verify that the PWM signal is being generated correctly by your microcontroller.
   • Check the duty cycle of the PWM signal to ensure it is within the desired range.

Q: Can I use this driver for stepper motors?
A: Yes, the TB6612FNG can be used to drive stepper motors by controlling the two channels in a coordinated manner.

Q: What happens if I exceed the maximum current rating?
A: Exceeding the current rating may cause the driver to overheat or enter thermal shutdown. Prolonged overcurrent conditions can damage the driver.

Q: Is it possible to control the driver without a microcontroller?
A: Yes, you can use external switches or logic circuits to control the direction and speed of the motors, but a microcontroller provides more precise control.