How to Use BTS7960 Motor Driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The BTS7960 is a high-current H-bridge motor driver designed to control DC motors and stepper motors. It is capable of handling high currents (up to 43A) and features built-in protection mechanisms such as overcurrent protection, thermal shutdown, and undervoltage lockout. These features make the BTS7960 a reliable choice for applications requiring robust motor control.

• Robotics and automation systems
• Electric vehicles and motorized carts
• Conveyor belts and industrial machinery
• Remote-controlled cars and boats
• CNC machines and 3D printers

The BTS7960 motor driver is designed to handle high-power motor control with precision and safety. Below are its key technical specifications:

The BTS7960 module has several pins for motor control and power input. Below is the pin configuration:

The BTS7960 motor driver is straightforward to use in motor control applications. Below are the steps and considerations for using the module:

1. Power Supply: Connect the motor power supply (5.5V to 27V) to the VCC (Motor) pin and the ground to the GND pin.
2. Logic Voltage: Connect the logic voltage (3.3V or 5V) to the VCC pin.
3. Motor Connections: Connect the motor terminals to the OUT1 and OUT2 pins.
4. Control Pins: Connect the RPWM, LPWM, R_EN, and L_EN pins to the microcontroller's GPIO pins.

• Use the RPWM and LPWM pins to send PWM signals for speed and direction control.
• Enable the H-bridge by setting R_EN and L_EN pins HIGH.
• Adjust the duty cycle of the PWM signals to control motor speed.

Below is an example code snippet to control a DC motor using the BTS7960 and Arduino UNO:

// Define control pins for the BTS7960 motor driver
#define RPWM 9   // PWM pin for forward rotation
#define LPWM 10  // PWM pin for reverse rotation
#define R_EN 8   // Enable pin for right H-bridge
#define L_EN 7   // Enable pin for left H-bridge

void setup() {
  // Set control pins as outputs
  pinMode(RPWM, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(LPWM, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(R_EN, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(L_EN, OUTPUT);

  // Enable both sides of the H-bridge
  digitalWrite(R_EN, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(L_EN, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Rotate motor forward at 50% speed
  analogWrite(RPWM, 128); // 50% duty cycle
  analogWrite(LPWM, 0);   // No reverse rotation
  delay(2000);            // Run for 2 seconds

  // Rotate motor backward at 75% speed
  analogWrite(RPWM, 0);   // No forward rotation
  analogWrite(LPWM, 192); // 75% duty cycle
  delay(2000);            // Run for 2 seconds

  // Stop the motor
  analogWrite(RPWM, 0);
  analogWrite(LPWM, 0);
  delay(2000);            // Wait for 2 seconds
}

• Ensure the motor power supply voltage matches the motor's rated voltage.
• Use a heatsink or cooling fan if operating at high currents for extended periods.
• Avoid sudden changes in direction at high speeds to prevent damage to the motor or driver.
• Use appropriate fuses or circuit breakers for additional protection.

1. Motor Not Running

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or insufficient power supply.
   • Solution: Double-check all connections and ensure the power supply meets the voltage and current requirements.

2. Overheating

   • Cause: Prolonged operation at high currents without proper cooling.
   • Solution: Add a heatsink or cooling fan to the BTS7960 module.

3. Erratic Motor Behavior

   • Cause: Noise or interference in PWM signals.
   • Solution: Use shielded cables for signal lines and ensure a stable power supply.

4. No Response from the Driver

   • Cause: Logic voltage not supplied or enable pins not set HIGH.
   • Solution: Verify that the VCC, R_EN, and L_EN pins are correctly connected and powered.

Q1: Can the BTS7960 drive stepper motors?
Yes, the BTS7960 can drive stepper motors, but you will need additional control logic to generate the required step and direction signals.

Q2: What is the maximum PWM frequency supported?
The BTS7960 supports PWM frequencies up to 25kHz.

Q3: Can I use the BTS7960 with a 3.3V microcontroller?
Yes, the BTS7960 is compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic levels.

Q4: How do I measure motor current using the IS pin?
The IS pin provides a voltage proportional to the motor current. Refer to the datasheet for the exact scaling factor.

By following this documentation, you can effectively use the BTS7960 motor driver in your projects.