How to Use TB6612FNG: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The TB6612FNG is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC manufactured by Arduino, designed to control two DC motors or one stepper motor. It supports PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for precise speed control and direction management. With a compact design and robust performance, the TB6612FNG is widely used in robotics, automation, and other motor control applications.

• Robotics: Driving wheels or actuators in robotic systems
• Automation: Controlling conveyor belts or small machinery
• DIY Projects: Building motorized toys or custom motorized systems
• Stepper Motor Control: Driving stepper motors for precise positioning

The TB6612FNG is a versatile motor driver IC with the following key specifications:

The TB6612FNG has 16 pins, each serving a specific function. Below is the pinout and description:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the VM pin to the motor power supply (2.5V to 13.5V).
   • Connect the VCC pin to the logic power supply (2.7V to 5.5V).
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of the circuit.

2. Motor Connections:

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

3. Control Signals:

   • Use the AIN1 and AIN2 pins to control the direction of Motor A.
   • Use the BIN1 and BIN2 pins to control the direction of Motor B.
   • Apply PWM signals to PWMA and PWMB to control the speed of Motor A and Motor B, respectively.

4. Standby Mode:

   • Set the STBY pin high to enable the IC. Pull it low to put the IC in standby mode.

• Use appropriate decoupling capacitors near the VM and VCC pins to stabilize the power supply.
• Ensure the motor current does not exceed the maximum continuous current rating of 1.2A per channel.
• Use heat sinks or proper ventilation if operating near the peak current for extended periods.
• Avoid floating input pins; always connect them to a defined logic level.

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

// Define motor control pins
#define AIN1 7  // Motor A direction control pin 1
#define AIN2 8  // Motor A direction control pin 2
#define PWMA 9  // Motor A speed control (PWM) pin
#define BIN1 10 // Motor B direction control pin 1
#define BIN2 11 // Motor B direction control pin 2
#define PWMB 3  // Motor B speed control (PWM) pin
#define STBY 6  // Standby control pin

void setup() {
  // Set motor 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 high to enable the IC.
   • Verify that the power supply voltage is within the specified range for VM and VCC.
   • Check the connections to the motor terminals and control pins.

2. Motor Running in the Wrong Direction:

   • Swap the logic levels on the direction control pins (AIN1, AIN2, BIN1, BIN2).

3. Overheating:

   • Ensure the motor current does not exceed 1.2A per channel.
   • Add heat sinks or improve ventilation around the IC.

4. PWM Not Controlling Speed:

   • Verify that the PWM signal is being generated correctly by the microcontroller.
   • Check the connections to the PWMA and PWMB pins.

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

Q: What happens if the motor current exceeds 1.2A?
A: The IC may overheat or enter thermal shutdown to protect itself. Ensure the motor current stays within the rated limits.

Q: Can I use the TB6612FNG with a 3.3V microcontroller?
A: Yes, the logic input voltage range (2.7V to 5.5V) supports 3.3V microcontrollers.