motor-driver-dat
Board
chips
toshiba-dat - TB6612-dat - TB6600-dat - board - SDR1059-dat
stepper motor
and more
Chip function lists
- overcurrent / thermal shutdown protection / microstepping / precise motor control
Comparison
TB6612FNG vs. L298N
| Feature | TB6612FNG | L298N |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Voltage Range | 2.5V – 13.5V | 5V – 46V |
| Logic Voltage Range | 2.7V – 5.5V | 5V – 7V |
| Continuous Current / ch | ~1.2A | 2A |
| Peak Current / ch | 3.2A (short bursts) | 3A (non-repetitive) |
| Efficiency | High (CMOS) | Low (Bipolar) |
| Voltage Drop | ~0.2V | ~1.8V – 3V |
| Heat Output | Low | High |
| PWM Frequency Support | Up to 100 kHz | <25 kHz |
| Size | Small, modern | Large, bulky |
| Cost | Moderate | Low |
more options
| Chip/Module | Voltage Range | Continuous Current | PWM Freq. | Features & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TB6612FNG | 2.5V – 13.5V | 1.2A/ch (3.2A peak) | Up to 100kHz | Efficient CMOS, low heat, great for small robots |
| DRV8833 | 2.7V – 10.8V | 1.5A/ch (2A peak) | Up to 250kHz | Compact, efficient, built-in protection, ideal for small DC motors |
| DRV8871 | 6.5V – 45V | 3.6A (6A peak) | ~100kHz | Single-channel, robust, good for mid-power motors |
| DRV8876 | 4.5V – 37V | 3.5A (5A peak) | ~100kHz | Smart current regulation, overtemp/short protection |
| MC33926 | 5V – 28V | 3A (5A peak) | Up to 20kHz | Automotive-grade, robust with fault reporting |
| VNH5019 | 5.5V – 24V | 12A (30A peak) | ~20kHz | High-power, onboard protection, great for large motors |
| BTN7960B | 5.5V – 27V | 43A (55A peak) | ~25kHz | High-current half-bridge, excellent for industrial/heavy-duty applications |
Relay-Based H-Bridge
you can control a high current DC motor using relays to switch it ON/OFF and to control clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) rotation by reversing the polarity with an H-Bridge made from relays.
How It Works: Relay-Based H-Bridge
A DC motor reverses direction by reversing the polarity of the voltage applied to its terminals. An H-Bridge uses 4 relays to achieve this.
Relay-Based H-Bridge Configuration (4-Relay Method)
Components
- 4 relays (DPST or SPST) rated for motor voltage and stall current
- Flyback diodes across relay coils
- Flyback diodes across motor terminals (recommended)
- Control logic (manual switches or microcontroller)
Operation Modes
| Relay 1 | Relay 2 | Relay 3 | Relay 4 | Motor Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ON | OFF | ON | OFF | Clockwise |
| OFF | ON | OFF | ON | Counter-Clockwise |
| OFF | OFF | OFF | OFF | Motor OFF |
Important: Never activate relays that create a short circuit (e.g., Relay 1 and Relay 2 ON simultaneously). Use interlock logic.
Important Considerations
- Relay Ratings: Must handle the motor's voltage and stall current (stall current can be 5–10× running current).
- Flyback Diodes: Required across relay coils and motor terminals to protect from voltage spikes.
- Logic Interlock: Ensure relays cannot be activated in conflicting states.
- Switching Delay: Turn OFF all relays briefly before changing direction to avoid shorts and damage.