Why is the TB6612FNG more efficient than the L298N?

The TB6612FNG offers up to 90% efficiency, compared to the L298N's 40–50%. This reduces power loss and heat generation, making it ideal for battery-powered or compact designs.

Does the TB6612FNG support higher PWM frequencies?

Yes, the TB6612FNG supports PWM frequencies up to 100kHz, enabling smoother and quieter motor operation than the L298N, which typically supports lower frequencies.

What makes the TB6612FNG more compact?

It comes in a space-saving SOP24 surface-mount package, making it perfect for tight layouts. In contrast, the L298N uses a larger through-hole package that can be bulky in small projects.

Is voltage drop lower with the TB6612FNG?

Yes. The TB6612FNG has a low voltage drop of about 0.5V, while the L298N can drop around 2V. This means the motor receives more usable voltage and performs better at lower input levels.

Does the TB6612FNG have built-in protection?

Absolutely. It features thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection, reducing the need for external protection components and increasing overall circuit reliability.

When should I still consider the L298N?

If you need to drive motors that require more than 1.2A continuous current or operate at voltages up to 46V, the L298N might be more suitable despite its inefficiencies.

TB6612FNG Motor Driver Guide and Comparison

What Is the TB6612FNG Motor Driver?

The TB6612FNG is a compact and efficient dual-channel motor driver designed to control two DC motors or a single bipolar stepper motor with precision and minimal heat buildup. Its small size, high efficiency, and robust features make it a favored choice over older drivers like the L298N, especially in space-constrained or power-sensitive projects.

Key Features

Controls two DC motors (1.2A continuous current per channel, 3.2A peak) or one bipolar stepper motor
Wide motor supply range (2.5V–13.5V), ideal for battery-powered setups
Built-in thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection for reliable operation
Supports PWM frequencies up to 100kHz for smooth and quiet speed adjustments
Low standby current (less than 1µA) for energy-saving applications

Typical Use Cases

This driver shines in robotics, remote-controlled vehicles, and DIY automation projects where size, efficiency, and control precision matter.

Connecting the TB6612FNG

Control Pins

PWMA/PWMB: PWM inputs for motor speed control (connect to microcontroller PWM-capable pins, e.g., Arduino pins 3, 5, 6)
AIN1/AIN2: Direction control for Motor A (use any digital pins, e.g., Arduino pins 8, 9)
BIN1/BIN2: Direction control for Motor B (use additional digital pins, e.g., Arduino pins 10, 11)
STBY: Standby pin (set HIGH to activate the driver; LOW puts it in sleep mode)

Power Connections

VCC: Logic voltage (3.3V–5V) to power the driver’s internal circuitry (match your microcontroller’s voltage)
VM: Motor power supply (4.5V–13.5V, separate from logic supply for cleaner operation)
GND: Common ground (tie all grounds—logic, power, and microcontroller—together)
AO1/AO2, BO1/BO2: Motor output pins (connect directly to motor terminals)

⚠️ Always use decoupling capacitors (e.g., 100µF electrolytic + 0.1µF ceramic) across VM and GND near the driver to filter noise and ensure stable performance under load.

Pinout Diagram Suggestion

For a clearer setup, refer to the TB6612FNG datasheet or create a simple wiring diagram showing connections to a microcontroller like an Arduino Uno.

Motor Control Logic

The TB6612FNG uses logic inputs to dictate motor behavior. Direction is set via AIN1/AIN2 (Motor A) or BIN1/BIN2 (Motor B), while speed is adjusted with PWM signals:

AIN1	AIN2	Motor A Action
HIGH	LOW	Forward
LOW	HIGH	Reverse
LOW	LOW	Coast (free spin, motor disconnected)
HIGH	HIGH	Brake (active stop, motor shorted)

Note: The same logic applies to Motor B with BIN1/BIN2. PWM on PWMA/PWMB scales the voltage, controlling speed from 0% to 100%.

Arduino Example Code


#define AIN1 9   // Motor A direction pin 1
#define AIN2 8   // Motor A direction pin 2
#define PWMA 10  // Motor A speed control
#define STBY 7   // Standby pin

void setup() {
    pinMode(AIN1, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(AIN2, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(PWMA, OUTPUT);
    pinMode(STBY, OUTPUT);
    digitalWrite(STBY, HIGH); // Enable driver
    Serial.begin(9600);       // For debugging
    Serial.println("Motor driver ready");
}

void loop() {
    // Rotate forward at 50% speed
    digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(AIN2, LOW);
    analogWrite(PWMA, 128); // 0-255 range (50% duty cycle)
    Serial.println("Forward at 50%");
    delay(2000);

    // Rotate reverse at 75% speed
    digitalWrite(AIN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(AIN2, HIGH);
    analogWrite(PWMA, 192); // 75% speed
    Serial.println("Reverse at 75%");
    delay(2000);

    // Stop motor with braking
    digitalWrite(AIN1, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(AIN2, HIGH);
    analogWrite(PWMA, 0);
    Serial.println("Braking");
    delay(1000);
}

Code Explanation

PWM Values: Range from 0 (0% speed) to 255 (100% speed); adjust for desired output
Standby Pin: HIGH enables the driver; LOW conserves power by disabling outputs
Braking vs. Coasting: HIGH/HIGH or LOW/LOW on direction pins brakes or coasts, respectively
Serial Output: Added for debugging and monitoring motor states

Real-World Application: Simple Robot Car

Use the TB6612FNG to power a two-wheeled robot car:

Hardware: Connect Motor A to the left wheel and Motor B to the right wheel. Power VM with a 7.4V LiPo battery and VCC with Arduino’s 5V pin.
Control: Program forward motion (AIN1 HIGH, AIN2 LOW; BIN1 HIGH, BIN2 LOW), turns (adjust PWM per motor), and stops (brake or coast).
Enhancement: Add an ultrasonic sensor (e.g., HC-SR04) to avoid obstacles by reversing or turning when objects are detected.

This setup is lightweight, efficient, and perfect for beginner robotics projects.

Troubleshooting Guide

Motor Not Spinning: Verify STBY is HIGH, test PWM signal with a multimeter or oscilloscope, confirm VM voltage and common ground
Driver Overheating: Lower motor current (check specs), ensure no stalls or short circuits, confirm VM is 13.5V or less
Erratic Behavior: Install decoupling capacitors near the driver, secure all connections, match VCC to microcontroller logic level
One Motor Works, Other Doesn’t: Swap motor connections to test outputs (AO1/AO2 vs. BO1/BO2), check pin assignments in code

FAQ: TB6612FNG vs. L298N

Why is the TB6612FNG more efficient than the L298N?: The TB6612FNG offers up to 90% efficiency, compared to the L298N's 40–50%. This reduces power loss and heat generation, making it ideal for battery-powered or compact designs.
Does the TB6612FNG support higher PWM frequencies?: Yes, the TB6612FNG supports PWM frequencies up to 100kHz, enabling smoother and quieter motor operation than the L298N, which typically supports lower frequencies.
What makes the TB6612FNG more compact?: It comes in a space-saving SOP24 surface-mount package, making it perfect for tight layouts. In contrast, the L298N uses a larger through-hole package that can be bulky in small projects.
Is voltage drop lower with the TB6612FNG?: Yes. The TB6612FNG has a low voltage drop of about 0.5V, while the L298N can drop around 2V. This means the motor receives more usable voltage and performs better at lower input levels.
Does the TB6612FNG have built-in protection?: Absolutely. It features thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection, reducing the need for external protection components and increasing overall circuit reliability.
When should I still consider the L298N?: If you need to drive motors that require more than 1.2A continuous current or operate at voltages up to 46V, the L298N might be more suitable despite its inefficiencies.