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

The TB6612FNG is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC manufactured by Toshiba. It is designed to control two DC motors or one stepper motor with high efficiency and precision. The IC supports features such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, direction control, and built-in thermal shutdown for protection. Its compact design and versatile functionality make it a popular choice for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications.

• Robotics and automation systems
• Remote-controlled vehicles
• Conveyor belts and industrial machinery
• DIY electronics and Arduino-based projects
• Stepper motor control for 3D printers and CNC machines

The following table outlines the key technical details of the TB6612FNG:

The TB6612FNG has 20 pins, each serving a specific function. The table below provides a detailed description of each pin:

1. Power Supply: Connect the motor power supply (VM) to a voltage source between 4.5V and 13.5V. Connect the logic power supply (VCC) to a voltage source between 2.7V and 5.5V.
2. Motor Connections: Connect the motor terminals to the AO1, AO2 (for Motor A) and BO1, BO2 (for Motor B) pins.
3. Control Signals: Use the AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, and BIN2 pins to control the direction of the motors. Use the PWMA and PWMB pins to control the speed of the motors via PWM signals.
4. Standby Mode: To enable the IC, set the STBY pin to HIGH. To disable the IC, set the STBY pin to LOW.
5. Grounding: Ensure all GND pins are connected to a common ground.

• Use decoupling capacitors (e.g., 0.1 µF and 100 µF) between VM and GND to reduce noise and stabilize the power supply.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum current rating (1.2A continuous, 3.2A peak) to prevent damage to the IC.
• Ensure proper heat dissipation, especially when driving motors at high currents.
• Use appropriate pull-up or pull-down resistors for control pins if needed.

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

// Define motor control pins
const int AIN1 = 7;  // Motor A direction control pin 1
const int AIN2 = 8;  // Motor A direction control pin 2
const int PWMA = 9;  // Motor A PWM control pin
const int BIN1 = 10; // Motor B direction control pin 1
const int BIN2 = 11; // Motor B direction control pin 2
const int PWMB = 6;  // Motor B PWM control pin
const int STBY = 5;  // Standby pin

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

void loop() {
  // Motor A: Forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWMA, 128); // 50% duty cycle (0-255)

  // Motor B: Reverse at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(BIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(BIN2, HIGH);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 192); // 75% duty cycle (0-255)

  delay(2000); // Run motors for 2 seconds

  // Stop both motors
  analogWrite(PWMA, 0);
  analogWrite(PWMB, 0);

  delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds
}

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Ensure the STBY pin is set to HIGH to enable the IC.
   • Verify that the power supply voltages (VM and VCC) are within the specified ranges.
   • Check the connections to the motor terminals and control pins.

2. Overheating:

   • Ensure the current drawn by the motors does not exceed the IC's maximum ratings.
   • Add a heat sink or improve ventilation if the IC becomes too hot during operation.

3. Erratic Motor Behavior:

   • Use decoupling capacitors to reduce noise on the power supply lines.
   • Verify the PWM signal frequency and duty cycle are appropriate for the motors.

4. No Response from the IC:

   • Check for loose or incorrect wiring.
   • Ensure the Arduino or microcontroller is properly configured to output control signals.

Q: Can the TB6612FNG drive stepper motors?
A: Yes, the TB6612FNG can drive a single stepper motor by controlling the two H-bridges independently.

Q: What is the recommended PWM frequency?
A: The recommended PWM frequency is between 20 kHz and 100 kHz for optimal performance.

Q: Is the IC protected against short circuits?
A: The TB6612FNG includes built-in thermal shutdown and overcurrent protection, but it is still important to avoid short circuits.

Q: Can I use the TB6612FNG with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the TB6612FNG supports logic levels as low as 2.7V, making it compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers.