How to Use Cytron MDD10A - 10Amp 5V-30V DC Motor Driver (2 Channels): Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Cytron MDD10A is a robust dual-channel DC motor driver designed to control two DC motors with a maximum continuous current of 10A per channel. It supports a wide operating voltage range of 5V to 30V, making it ideal for a variety of robotics and automation applications. The MDD10A is equipped with multiple control modes, including PWM, and features built-in protection mechanisms for safe and reliable operation.

• Robotics (e.g., mobile robots, robotic arms)
• Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
• Conveyor belt systems
• DIY motorized projects
• Industrial automation systems

The following table outlines the key technical specifications of the Cytron MDD10A:

The MDD10A has a total of 12 pins for motor control and power connections. The table below describes each pin:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the motor power supply (5V to 30V DC) to the VM pin.
   • Connect the ground of the power supply to the GND pin.

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the terminals of Motor 1 to M1A and M1B.
   • Connect the terminals of Motor 2 to M2A and M2B.

3. Control Connections:

   • Use the DIR1 and PWM1 pins to control the direction and speed of Motor 1.
   • Use the DIR2 and PWM2 pins to control the direction and speed of Motor 2.
   • Optionally, connect the EN pin to enable or disable the motor driver.

4. Logic Voltage Compatibility:

   • The control pins are compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic levels, making it easy to interface with microcontrollers like Arduino or Raspberry Pi.

• Ensure the motor power supply voltage is within the specified range (5V to 30V).
• Use appropriate heat dissipation methods (e.g., heatsinks) if operating at high currents for extended periods.
• Avoid reversing the polarity of the power supply to prevent damage to the driver.
• Use a fuse or circuit breaker to protect the motor driver and connected components.

Below is an example of how to control two DC motors using the MDD10A and an Arduino UNO:

• Connect DIR1 to Arduino pin 7 and PWM1 to Arduino pin 6.
• Connect DIR2 to Arduino pin 4 and PWM2 to Arduino pin 5.
• Connect the EN pin to Arduino pin 8.
• Connect the motor power supply to VM and GND.

// Define motor control pins
#define DIR1 7  // Direction control for Motor 1
#define PWM1 6  // PWM control for Motor 1
#define DIR2 4  // Direction control for Motor 2
#define PWM2 5  // PWM control for Motor 2
#define EN 8    // Enable pin for motor driver

void setup() {
  // Set motor control pins as outputs
  pinMode(DIR1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PWM1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(DIR2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(PWM2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(EN, OUTPUT);

  // Enable the motor driver
  digitalWrite(EN, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Motor 1: Forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(DIR1, HIGH);
  analogWrite(PWM1, 128); // 50% duty cycle (128 out of 255)

  // Motor 2: Reverse at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(DIR2, LOW);
  analogWrite(PWM2, 192); // 75% duty cycle (192 out of 255)

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

  // Stop both motors
  analogWrite(PWM1, 0);
  analogWrite(PWM2, 0);

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

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Ensure the EN pin is set to HIGH to enable the motor driver.
   • Verify that the power supply voltage is within the specified range (5V to 30V).
   • Check the connections to the motors and control pins.

2. Overheating:

   • Reduce the motor load or operating current.
   • Use a heatsink or active cooling to dissipate heat.

3. Erratic Motor Behavior:

   • Ensure the PWM signal frequency is within the supported range (up to 20 kHz).
   • Check for loose or faulty connections.

4. Driver Not Responding to Control Signals:

   • Verify that the control signals are compatible with the logic voltage (3.3V or 5V).
   • Check the Arduino code for errors or incorrect pin assignments.

• Can the MDD10A drive stepper motors? No, the MDD10A is designed for DC motors only. For stepper motors, use a dedicated stepper motor driver.

• What happens if the current exceeds 10A? The driver includes overcurrent protection, which will shut down the output to prevent damage.

• Can I use the MDD10A with a Raspberry Pi? Yes, the control pins are compatible with the 3.3V logic level of the Raspberry Pi.

• Is reverse polarity protection included? Yes, the MDD10A has built-in reverse polarity protection for the power supply.