Overview

The TB6612FNG is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC manufactured by Toshiba. Built using high-efficiency DMOS output power transistors instead of legacy bipolar transistors, it delivers much higher efficiency, lower heat output, and minimal voltage drop compared to traditional drivers like the L298N or L293D.

It can drive two independent DC motors or one 4-wire bipolar stepper motor at continuous output currents up to 1.2 A per channel (3.2 A peak) with motor supply voltages from 2.5 V to 13.5 V DC.

Quick reference

Motor supply (VM / VCC)2.5 V to 13.5 V DC
Logic supply (VCC / VCC1)2.7 V to 5.5 V DC (3.3V and 5V MCU compatible)
Continuous current per channel1.2 A
Peak output current3.2 A (single pulse <20 ms<20\text{ ms})
MOSFSET RDS(ON)R_{DS(ON)}0.5 Ω0.5\text{ }\Omega total (high + low side combined)
PWM frequencyUp to 100 kHz
Standby control (STBY)Hardware standby pin (LOW = Power-down, HIGH = Active)

Pinout

Standard Pololu / SparkFun Breakout Board Pinout

text
           ┌──────────┐
     VM ───│ 1     16 │─── A01
    VCC ───│ 2     15 │─── A02
    GND ───│ 3     14 │─── GND
    AO1 ───│ 4     13 │─── B02
    AO2 ───│ 5     12 │─── B01
    BO2 ───│ 6     11 │─── VM
    BO1 ───│ 7     10 │─── PWMB
   STBY ───│ 8      9 │─── BIN2
           └──────────┘
PinNameTypeDescription
1, 11VMPower InputMotor power supply voltage (+2.5 V to +13.5 V DC)
2VCCPower InputLogic supply voltage (+2.7 V to +5.5 V DC)
3, 14GNDPowerGround (0 V)
4AO1 / A01Driver OutputMotor A Output 1
5AO2 / A02Driver OutputMotor A Output 2
6BO2 / B02Driver OutputMotor B Output 2
7BO1 / B01Driver OutputMotor B Output 1
8STBYDigital InputStandby input (LOW = Power-down, HIGH = Enable outputs)
9BIN2Digital InputMotor B Direction Input 2
10PWMBDigital InputMotor B PWM Speed Control input
12BIN1Digital InputMotor B Direction Input 1
13PWMADigital InputMotor A PWM Speed Control input
15AIN2Digital InputMotor A Direction Input 2
16AIN1Digital InputMotor A Direction Input 1

Specifications

ParameterSymbolMinTypMaxUnitConditions
Motor VoltageVMV_M2.56.0 / 12.013.5VDC
Logic VoltageVCCV_{CC}2.73.3 / 5.05.5VDC
Output Current (Continuous)IOUTI_{OUT}-1.2—1.2APer channel
Output Current (Peak Pulse)IPEAKI_{PEAK}-3.2—3.2At<20 mst < 20\text{ ms}
High-Side + Low-Side RDS(ON)R_{DS(ON)}RONR_{ON}—0.50.7ΩIOUT=1 AI_{OUT} = 1\text{ A}, VM=5 VV_M = 5\text{ V}
PWM FrequencyfPWMf_{PWM}——100kHz
Standby CurrentISTBYI_{STBY}—010µASTBY=LOWSTBY = LOW

Control Logic Truth Table (Motor A)

STBYAIN1AIN2PWMAAO1AO2Motor Mode
HIGHHIGHLOWHIGHHIGHLOWForward
HIGHLOWHIGHHIGHLOWHIGHReverse
HIGHHIGHLOWLOWLOWLOWShort Brake (Low-side ON)
HIGHLOWLOWXLOWLOWShort Brake (Low-side ON)
LOWXXXZZStandby / Coast (High-Z)

Wiring

TB6612FNG Pin→Microcontroller / Motor / PowerNotes
VCC3.3V or 5VLogic supply
GNDCommon GNDMCU GND + Motor Power GND
VMExternal Motor Battery (+2.5 V to +13.5 V)Dedicated motor power rail
STBYMCU 3.3V/5V rail (or GPIO Pin)Must be pulled HIGH to enable driver
AIN1, AIN2Digital GPIO Pins (e.g. D4, D5)Direction control for Motor A
PWMAPWM Pin (e.g. D3)Speed control for Motor A
AO1, AO2Motor A TerminalsConnects to DC Motor A
Warning

Floating STBY Pin Failure: Pin STBY is active-HIGH. If STBY is left floating or connected to LOW, all driver outputs remain in high-impedance standby mode and the motor will not spin.

Common mistakes

  • Leaving STBY pin disconnected: Driver stays in ultra-low power standby mode.
  • Exceeding 13.5V motor voltage: Unlike the L298N (which accepts up to 46V), the TB6612FNG maximum VM rating is 13.5 V DC. Connecting a 4S LiPo battery (16.8V) will destroy the IC.
  • Forgetting common ground: Not connecting motor battery ground to MCU ground prevents control logic signals from functioning.

Notes

  • Low internal MOSFET resistance (0.5 Ω0.5\text{ }\Omega) delivers over 90% of supply voltage directly to the motor, producing significantly less heat than Darlington drivers.

Assets & downloads