DRV8833 2 Channel DC Motor Driver

Prototyping and Engineering Tips from Robogears

• The "MOSFET Advantage": If you are switching from an L298N to a DRV8833, you will notice your motors spin faster even on the same battery. This is because the DRV8833 has a voltage drop of only ~0.1V-0.2V, compared to the 2V drop of the older L298N.

• Parallel Channel Hack: For high-torque motors, you can tie the two channels together (AIN1 to BIN1, AIN2 to BIN2, etc.) to double the current capacity. This allows the module to drive a single DC motor at up to 3A continuous.

• PWM Braking vs. Coasting: To "Coast" the motor (let it stop slowly), set both input pins (e.g., AIN1 and AIN2) to LOW. To "Brake" the motor (stop instantly), set both input pins to HIGH. For speed control, apply the PWM signal to one pin while keeping the other LOW.

• Capacitance at VM: Even though the board is small, always add a 100uF or 220uF electrolytic capacitor as close as possible to the VM and GND pins. This prevents the "noisy" motor current from causing resets in your microcontroller.

• Soldering Pins: The board often comes without headers. When soldering the pins, be careful not to bridge the tiny SMD components near the solder pads, as this can lead to a short circuit in the logic stage.

Package Includes

• 1 x DRV8833 2-Channel DC Motor Driver Module

Disclaimer: Do not exceed the 10.8V maximum input voltage. Ensure the total current draw per channel does not exceed the 1.5A continuous rating for long-term use. While it has thermal protection, prolonged overheating can still lead to component fatigue. Always double-check your motor polarity before powering on.