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

The TB6612FNG is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC designed to control two DC motors or one stepper motor. It supports PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for precise speed control and direction management. With built-in thermal shutdown protection, overcurrent protection, and low standby current, the TB6612FNG is a reliable choice for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications.

• Robotics (e.g., controlling wheels or arms)
• Automated conveyor systems
• Remote-controlled vehicles
• DIY electronics projects
• Stepper motor control for CNC machines or 3D printers

• 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 Inputs: PWM, IN1, IN2 for each channel
• Standby Current: 1 µA (typical)
• Built-in Protections: Thermal shutdown, overcurrent, and undervoltage lockout
• Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +85°C
• Package Type: HTSSOP-20

The TB6612FNG has 20 pins. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V logic power supply.
   • Connect the VM pin to the motor power supply (4.5V to 13.5V).
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of the power supply.

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the motor terminals to A01 and A02 for Motor A, and B01 and B02 for Motor B.

3. Control Pins:

   • Use AIN1 and AIN2 to control the direction of Motor A, and BIN1 and BIN2 for Motor B.
   • Use PWMA and PWMB to control the speed of Motor A and Motor B, respectively, via PWM signals.
   • Pull the STBY pin HIGH to enable the IC. Pull it LOW to put the IC in standby mode.

4. PWM Control:

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

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

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

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

// Standby pin
const int STBY = 10; // Standby control pin

void setup() {
  // Set all 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 pulling STBY HIGH
  digitalWrite(STBY, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Run Motor A forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);  // Set direction
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 128);    // Set speed (128/255 = 50%)

  // Example: Run Motor B backward at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW);   // Set direction
  digitalWrite(BIN2, HIGH);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 192);    // Set speed (192/255 = 75%)

  delay(2000);               // Run for 2 seconds

  // Stop both motors
  analogWrite(PWMA, 0);      // Stop Motor A
  analogWrite(PWMB, 0);      // Stop Motor B
  delay(2000);               // Wait for 2 seconds
}

• Ensure the motor power supply voltage (VM) matches the motor's rated voltage.
• Use appropriate decoupling capacitors near the power supply pins to reduce noise.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum current rating to prevent damage to the IC.
• Always pull the STBY pin HIGH to enable the motor driver.

1. Motors not spinning:

   • Ensure the STBY pin is pulled HIGH.
   • Verify that the motor power supply (VM) is connected and within the specified range.
   • Check the PWM signal and ensure it is being generated correctly.

2. Motors spinning in the wrong direction:

   • Swap the connections to AIN1 and AIN2 (or BIN1 and BIN2) to reverse the direction.

3. Overheating:

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

4. No response from the motor driver:

   • Check all connections, especially power and ground.
   • Verify that the logic voltage (VCC) is within the specified range.

• Can I control a stepper motor with the TB6612FNG? Yes, the TB6612FNG can control a stepper motor by driving its two coils. Use appropriate stepper motor control logic.

• What happens if the IC overheats? The TB6612FNG has built-in thermal shutdown protection. It will disable the outputs until the temperature returns to a safe level.

• 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 microcontrollers.