How to Use drv8833: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Introduction

The DRV8833 is a dual H-bridge motor driver designed to control the direction and speed of DC motors and stepper motors. It operates with a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 10.8V and can deliver up to 1.5A of continuous current per channel. This makes it an ideal choice for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications. Its compact design and versatile functionality allow it to be used in battery-powered devices, small robots, and other embedded systems.

Explore Projects Built with drv8833

ESP32 C3 Controlled Robot with VL6180 Time of Flight Sensor

This circuit is designed to control a pair of DC gearmotors using a DRV8833 motor driver, with an ESP32 C3 microcontroller as the control unit. The microcontroller also interfaces with an Adafruit VL6180 Time of Flight sensor for distance measurement. The embedded code on the ESP32 C3 facilitates basic motor control (forward and backward) and reads distance data from the sensor, which is likely used for obstacle detection or range finding in a robotic application.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino Nano Motor Controller with DRV8833 Driver

This circuit is designed to control a 2-phase 4-wire motor using an Arduino Nano 3.0 and a DRV8833 motor driver. The Arduino Nano provides control signals to the DRV8833, which in turn drives the motor, allowing for precise motor control.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Arduino Pro Mini-Based Bluetooth and Camera-Controlled Motor System

This circuit is a remote-controlled robotic system featuring an Arduino Pro Mini, a TB6612FNG motor driver, and an NRF24L01 wireless module. The Arduino controls four DC motors via the motor driver and communicates wirelessly using the NRF24L01 module, while an OV7670 camera module and an HC-05 Bluetooth module provide additional functionality.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

ESP32 and nRF24L01 Wi-Fi Controlled Dual Motor System

This circuit is a remote-controlled dual-motor driver system using an ESP32 microcontroller. The ESP32 interfaces with an nRF24L01 wireless module for communication and a DRV8833 motor driver to control two motors, powered by a 2x 18650 battery pack regulated by an AMS1117 voltage regulator.

Open Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications

Controlling DC motors in robotics projects
Driving stepper motors in 3D printers and CNC machines
Motorized toys and small vehicles
Automation systems and conveyor belts
Battery-powered motor control applications

Technical Specifications

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value
Supply Voltage Range	2.7V to 10.8V
Continuous Current (per channel)	1.5A
Peak Current (per channel)	2A
Logic Input Voltage Range	0V to 5.5V
PWM Frequency	Up to 250 kHz
Operating Temperature	-40°C to 85°C
Package Type	HTSSOP-16 or WQFN-16

Pin Configuration

The DRV8833 comes in a 16-pin package. Below is the pinout and description:

Pin Number	Pin Name	Description
1	AIN1	Input 1 for H-Bridge A
2	AIN2	Input 2 for H-Bridge A
3	BIN1	Input 1 for H-Bridge B
4	BIN2	Input 2 for H-Bridge B
5	VCC	Motor power supply (2.7V to 10.8V)
6	GND	Ground
7	OUT1A	Output 1 of H-Bridge A
8	OUT2A	Output 2 of H-Bridge A
9	OUT1B	Output 1 of H-Bridge B
10	OUT2B	Output 2 of H-Bridge B
11	nSLEEP	Sleep mode control (active low)
12	nFAULT	Fault indicator (active low)
13	VCC	Motor power supply (duplicate pin)
14	GND	Ground (duplicate pin)
15	DECAY	Decay mode selection
16	VREF	Reference voltage for current regulation

Usage Instructions

Using the DRV8833 in a Circuit

Power Supply: Connect the motor power supply (2.7V to 10.8V) to the VCC pin and ground to the GND pin. Ensure the power supply can handle the current requirements of your motors.
Motor Connections: Connect the motor terminals to the output pins (OUT1A, OUT2A for Motor A and OUT1B, OUT2B for Motor B).
Control Inputs: Use the AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, and BIN2 pins to control the direction and speed of the motors. These pins accept logic-level signals (0V to 5.5V).
Sleep Mode: To enable the driver, ensure the nSLEEP pin is pulled high. Pulling it low will put the driver into low-power sleep mode.
PWM Control: Apply a PWM signal to the input pins to control motor speed. The duty cycle of the PWM signal determines the speed of the motor.

Example: Connecting to an Arduino UNO

Below is an example of how to control a DC motor using the DRV8833 and an Arduino UNO:

Circuit Connections

Connect AIN1 and AIN2 to Arduino digital pins (e.g., D9 and D10).
Connect the motor terminals to OUT1A and OUT2A.
Connect VCC to a 5V or 9V power supply and GND to ground.
Pull nSLEEP high by connecting it to 5V.

Arduino Code

// Define motor control pins
const int AIN1 = 9;  // Connect to DRV8833 AIN1
const int AIN2 = 10; // Connect to DRV8833 AIN2

void setup() {
  // Set motor control pins as outputs
  pinMode(AIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(AIN2, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Rotate motor forward
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH); // Set AIN1 high
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);  // Set AIN2 low
  delay(2000);              // Run motor for 2 seconds

  // Rotate motor backward
  digitalWrite(AIN1, LOW);  // Set AIN1 low
  digitalWrite(AIN2, HIGH); // Set AIN2 high
  delay(2000);              // Run motor for 2 seconds

  // Stop motor
  digitalWrite(AIN1, LOW);  // Set AIN1 low
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);  // Set AIN2 low
  delay(2000);              // Stop motor for 2 seconds
}

Best Practices

Use decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1µF and 10µF) near the VCC pin to reduce noise and stabilize the power supply.
Avoid exceeding the maximum current rating (1.5A continuous, 2A peak) to prevent damage.
Ensure proper heat dissipation, especially when driving motors at high currents.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

Motor Not Spinning
- Cause: nSLEEP pin is low.
- Solution: Pull the nSLEEP pin high to enable the driver.
- Cause: Incorrect wiring of motor terminals.
- Solution: Verify motor connections to the output pins.
Overheating
- Cause: Exceeding current limits or insufficient heat dissipation.
- Solution: Use a heatsink or reduce the motor load.
Fault Indicator Active (nFAULT Pin Low)
- Cause: Overcurrent, undervoltage, or thermal shutdown.
- Solution: Check power supply voltage, motor load, and ensure proper cooling.
PWM Signal Not Controlling Speed
- Cause: Incorrect PWM frequency or duty cycle.
- Solution: Use a PWM frequency below 250 kHz and adjust the duty cycle.

FAQs

Can the DRV8833 drive two stepper motors?
- No, the DRV8833 can drive one stepper motor or two DC motors.
What happens if the supply voltage exceeds 10.8V?
- The DRV8833 may be damaged. Always ensure the supply voltage is within the specified range.
Can I use the DRV8833 with a 3.3V microcontroller?
- Yes, the logic input pins are compatible with 3.3V signals.
Is it necessary to use the DECAY pin?
- The DECAY pin is optional and can be used to adjust the motor braking behavior. If unused, it can be left floating or connected to a fixed voltage.

By following this documentation, you can effectively use the DRV8833 in your motor control projects.