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How to Use PWM: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of PWM
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Introduction

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a versatile technique used to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical device by varying the width of the pulses in a signal. The DEWIN PWM module is a reliable and efficient solution for implementing PWM in various electronic applications. It is commonly used in motor speed control, LED dimming, audio signal generation, and other scenarios requiring precise power or signal control.

Explore Projects Built with PWM

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
555 Timer IC and Servo Motor Control Circuit with Adjustable Timing
Image of Copy of servo controller: A project utilizing PWM in a practical application
This circuit uses a 555 Timer IC configured as an astable multivibrator to generate a PWM signal, which is used to control a Tower Pro SG90 servo motor. The frequency and duty cycle of the PWM signal can be adjusted using a rotary potentiometer, and the circuit is powered by a 3.7V battery.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
PWM-Controlled DC Motor Speed Regulator with DC Barrel Jack Power Input
Image of Siren: A project utilizing PWM in a practical application
This circuit controls the speed of a DC motor using a 12V PWM speed controller. Power is supplied to the speed controller through a 2.1mm DC barrel jack, which then modulates the voltage and current to the motor's terminals to adjust its speed. There is no microcontroller code involved, indicating that the speed control is likely adjusted manually via the speed controller's onboard settings.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
ATtiny85 Controlled DC Motor Speed Regulator with Potentiometer
Image of Q&A On Reddit (faulty circuit): A project utilizing PWM in a practical application
This circuit is designed to control the speed of a DC motor using a PWM signal from an ATtiny85 microcontroller. The motor's speed is adjusted by a rotary potentiometer, and a TIP120 Darlington transistor acts as a switch to regulate the motor's power supply, with a resistor to limit the base current.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
12V PWM-Controlled Water Pump System
Image of moter speed controller: A project utilizing PWM in a practical application
This circuit is designed to control the speed of a water pump using a PWM DC motor speed controller. The 12V5Ah battery provides power to the speed controller, which in turn regulates the power supplied to the water pump, allowing for adjustable flow rates. There is no microcontroller code provided, indicating that the speed control is likely adjusted manually via the PWM controller.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with PWM

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of Copy of servo controller: A project utilizing PWM in a practical application
555 Timer IC and Servo Motor Control Circuit with Adjustable Timing
This circuit uses a 555 Timer IC configured as an astable multivibrator to generate a PWM signal, which is used to control a Tower Pro SG90 servo motor. The frequency and duty cycle of the PWM signal can be adjusted using a rotary potentiometer, and the circuit is powered by a 3.7V battery.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Siren: A project utilizing PWM in a practical application
PWM-Controlled DC Motor Speed Regulator with DC Barrel Jack Power Input
This circuit controls the speed of a DC motor using a 12V PWM speed controller. Power is supplied to the speed controller through a 2.1mm DC barrel jack, which then modulates the voltage and current to the motor's terminals to adjust its speed. There is no microcontroller code involved, indicating that the speed control is likely adjusted manually via the speed controller's onboard settings.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of Q&A On Reddit (faulty circuit): A project utilizing PWM in a practical application
ATtiny85 Controlled DC Motor Speed Regulator with Potentiometer
This circuit is designed to control the speed of a DC motor using a PWM signal from an ATtiny85 microcontroller. The motor's speed is adjusted by a rotary potentiometer, and a TIP120 Darlington transistor acts as a switch to regulate the motor's power supply, with a resistor to limit the base current.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of moter speed controller: A project utilizing PWM in a practical application
12V PWM-Controlled Water Pump System
This circuit is designed to control the speed of a water pump using a PWM DC motor speed controller. The 12V5Ah battery provides power to the speed controller, which in turn regulates the power supplied to the water pump, allowing for adjustable flow rates. There is no microcontroller code provided, indicating that the speed control is likely adjusted manually via the PWM controller.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

  • Motor Control: Adjusting the speed of DC motors in robotics and industrial systems.
  • LED Dimming: Controlling the brightness of LEDs in lighting systems.
  • Power Regulation: Managing power delivery in battery chargers and power supplies.
  • Audio Applications: Generating audio signals or controlling audio amplifiers.
  • Temperature Control: Driving heating elements with precise power levels.

Technical Specifications

The DEWIN PWM module is designed to provide stable and efficient PWM signals for a wide range of applications. Below are the key technical details:

General Specifications

Parameter Value
Manufacturer DEWIN
Part ID DEWIN PWM
Input Voltage Range 3.3V to 5V
Output Voltage Range 0V to Input Voltage
Frequency Range 1 Hz to 100 kHz
Duty Cycle Range 0% to 100%
Output Current Up to 20 mA per channel
Operating Temperature -40°C to +85°C
Dimensions 25mm x 15mm x 5mm

Pin Configuration

The DEWIN PWM module features a simple pinout for easy integration into circuits:

Pin Number Pin Name Description
1 VCC Power supply input (3.3V to 5V)
2 GND Ground connection
3 PWM_OUT PWM signal output
4 CTRL Control input for adjusting duty cycle or mode

Usage Instructions

The DEWIN PWM module is straightforward to use in a variety of circuits. Follow the steps below to integrate it into your project:

Basic Circuit Connection

  1. Power the Module: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V power source and the GND pin to the ground of your circuit.
  2. Connect the Output: Use the PWM_OUT pin to drive your load (e.g., motor, LED, etc.). Ensure the load does not exceed the module's current rating (20 mA).
  3. Control the Duty Cycle: Use the CTRL pin to adjust the duty cycle. This can be done by connecting it to a microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) or a potentiometer.

Example: Using DEWIN PWM with Arduino UNO

Below is an example of how to use the DEWIN PWM module with an Arduino UNO to control the brightness of an LED:

Circuit Diagram

  • Connect VCC to the Arduino's 5V pin.
  • Connect GND to the Arduino's GND pin.
  • Connect PWM_OUT to the LED (with a current-limiting resistor in series).
  • Connect CTRL to an Arduino PWM-capable pin (e.g., pin 9).

Arduino Code

// Example code to control DEWIN PWM module with Arduino UNO
// This code gradually increases and decreases the brightness of an LED

const int pwmPin = 9; // Pin connected to DEWIN PWM CTRL pin

void setup() {
  pinMode(pwmPin, OUTPUT); // Set the PWM pin as an output
}

void loop() {
  // Gradually increase brightness
  for (int dutyCycle = 0; dutyCycle <= 255; dutyCycle++) {
    analogWrite(pwmPin, dutyCycle); // Write PWM signal to CTRL pin
    delay(10); // Small delay for smooth transition
  }

  // Gradually decrease brightness
  for (int dutyCycle = 255; dutyCycle >= 0; dutyCycle--) {
    analogWrite(pwmPin, dutyCycle); // Write PWM signal to CTRL pin
    delay(10); // Small delay for smooth transition
  }
}

Important Considerations

  • Load Protection: Ensure the connected load does not exceed the module's current rating. Use an external transistor or MOSFET for higher current loads.
  • Power Supply: Use a stable power supply to avoid fluctuations in the PWM signal.
  • Frequency Adjustment: If the application requires a specific frequency, ensure the microcontroller or external circuit driving the CTRL pin can generate the desired frequency.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. No Output Signal

    • Cause: Incorrect power supply connection.
    • Solution: Verify that VCC and GND are properly connected and within the specified voltage range.
  2. PWM Signal is Unstable

    • Cause: Noisy power supply or interference.
    • Solution: Use decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1 µF) near the power pins to filter noise.
  3. Load Not Responding

    • Cause: Load exceeds the module's current rating.
    • Solution: Use an external driver circuit (e.g., MOSFET or relay) for high-current loads.
  4. PWM Frequency is Incorrect

    • Cause: Improper configuration of the control signal.
    • Solution: Check the microcontroller's PWM settings and ensure the frequency matches your requirements.

FAQs

Q1: Can the DEWIN PWM module drive high-power motors directly?
A1: No, the module is limited to 20 mA output current. Use an external driver circuit for high-power motors.

Q2: How do I adjust the frequency of the PWM signal?
A2: The frequency is determined by the control signal applied to the CTRL pin. Use a microcontroller or signal generator to set the desired frequency.

Q3: Is the module compatible with 3.3V systems?
A3: Yes, the DEWIN PWM module operates with input voltages as low as 3.3V, making it compatible with 3.3V systems.

Q4: Can I use the module for audio signal generation?
A4: Yes, the module can generate audio signals within its frequency range (1 Hz to 100 kHz). Ensure the connected load is suitable for audio applications.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the DEWIN PWM module into your projects and achieve precise control over your electronic devices.