How to Use BTS7960 (IBT-2) Motor Driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The BTS7960 (commonly referred to as the IBT-2) is a high-current H-bridge motor driver designed for controlling DC motors. It is capable of handling high currents (up to 43A) and operates with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals for precise motor speed and direction control. The module features built-in protection mechanisms, including overcurrent and thermal overload protection, making it a reliable choice for demanding motor control applications.

• Robotics and automation systems
• Electric vehicles and motorized carts
• Conveyor belts and industrial machinery
• Remote-controlled cars, boats, and drones
• DIY projects requiring high-power motor control

The BTS7960 motor driver is designed to handle high-power motors with ease. Below are its key technical details:

The BTS7960 module has a total of 8 pins for interfacing with a microcontroller and motor. Below is the pinout:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the motor's power supply (6V–27V) to the module's power input terminals.
   • Connect the motor's terminals to the MOTOR+ and MOTOR- outputs.
   • Provide 5V to the VCC pin for the module's logic circuitry.

2. Microcontroller Interface:

   • Connect the RPWM and LPWM pins to PWM-capable pins on your microcontroller.
   • Use the R_EN and L_EN pins to enable or disable the respective half-bridges.

3. Control Logic:

   • To move the motor in one direction, send a PWM signal to RPWM and set LPWM to LOW.
   • To reverse the motor, send a PWM signal to LPWM and set RPWM to LOW.
   • Adjust the duty cycle of the PWM signal to control motor speed.

• Ensure the motor's power supply voltage is within the module's operating range (6V–27V).
• Use a heat sink or active cooling if operating at high currents for extended periods.
• Avoid connecting both RPWM and LPWM to HIGH simultaneously, as this may damage the module.
• Use appropriate fuses or circuit breakers to protect the motor and driver from overcurrent.

Below is an example of how to control the BTS7960 motor driver using an Arduino UNO:

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

void setup() {
  // Set pin modes
  pinMode(RPWM, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(LPWM, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(R_EN, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(L_EN, OUTPUT);

  // Enable both half-bridges
  digitalWrite(R_EN, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(L_EN, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Move motor forward at 50% speed
  analogWrite(RPWM, 128); // 50% duty cycle (128 out of 255)
  analogWrite(LPWM, 0);   // LPWM set to LOW
  delay(2000);            // Run for 2 seconds

  // Stop the motor
  analogWrite(RPWM, 0);
  analogWrite(LPWM, 0);
  delay(1000);            // Pause for 1 second

  // Move motor in reverse at 75% speed
  analogWrite(RPWM, 0);   // RPWM set to LOW
  analogWrite(LPWM, 192); // 75% duty cycle (192 out of 255)
  delay(2000);            // Run for 2 seconds

  // Stop the motor
  analogWrite(RPWM, 0);
  analogWrite(LPWM, 0);
  delay(1000);            // Pause for 1 second
}

1. Motor Not Running:

   • Ensure the motor's power supply is connected and within the specified voltage range.
   • Verify that the R_EN and L_EN pins are set to HIGH.
   • Check the PWM signal connections and ensure the duty cycle is not zero.

2. Overheating:

   • Use a heat sink or active cooling if the module is operating at high currents.
   • Ensure the motor is not drawing more current than the module's maximum rating.

3. Erratic Motor Behavior:

   • Check for loose or faulty connections.
   • Ensure that only one of RPWM or LPWM is receiving a PWM signal at any given time.

4. Module Shuts Down Unexpectedly:

   • This may be due to overcurrent or thermal protection. Reduce the motor load or improve cooling.

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

Q: What is the maximum PWM frequency supported?
A: The module supports PWM frequencies up to 25kHz.

Q: Can I control two motors with one BTS7960 module?
A: No, the BTS7960 is designed to control a single motor. For dual-motor control, use two modules.