BTS7960 43A High Power H-Bridge Motor Driver Module for Arduino

BTS7960 43A High-Current H-Bridge DC Motor Driver for Arduino Robotics

Introducing the BTS7960 43A High-Power Motor Driver Module, the ultimate solution for controlling high-current DC motors in your most ambitious projects. Available from Bigyan Project, this robust module is engineered around the powerful Infineon BTS7960 chipset, providing a reliable and efficient dual H-bridge driver circuit. It's specifically designed for applications like robotics, smart cars, CNC machines, and industrial automation where significant power and precise control are non-negotiable. With a staggering 43A peak current capacity, this driver can handle demanding motors with ease. Furthermore, it incorporates essential safety features, including thermal and over-current protection, which effectively isolate your sensitive microcontroller (like an Arduino or ESP32) from the high-power motor circuit. This ensures both your components and your project are protected. If you're looking for a driver that offers strong drive capabilities, dynamic braking, and simple integration, the BTS7960 is the perfect choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Product Specifications

Features

• High Current Capability: Delivers up to 43A of peak current, making it suitable for a wide range of high-power DC motors.
• Dual H-Bridge Design: Built with two BTS7960 ICs, providing a powerful and efficient circuit for motor control.
• Full Motor Control: Allows for forward rotation, reverse rotation, and effective braking of the connected motor.
• Microcontroller Protection: Features 5V logic isolation to safeguard your MCU from high voltage spikes and electrical noise from the motor.
• PWM Speed Control: Accepts a standard PWM signal up to 25kHz for precise and smooth motor speed regulation.
• Built-in Safety Features: Integrated thermal shutdown and over-current protection prevent damage to the module and the motor.
• Error Signal Output: Provides current sense (IS) pins for both forward and reverse directions, allowing for advanced feedback and error detection.
• On-board Indicators: Includes a 5V power indicator LED for easy visual confirmation of the logic power status.

Applications / Use Cases

This versatile high-power motor driver from বিজ্ঞান প্রজেক্ট (Bigyan Project) is ideal for a variety of applications, including:

• Robotics and Combat Robots
• Electric Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters
• DIY Electric Go-Karts and Smart Cars
• Industrial Automation and Actuator Control
• CNC Machines and 3D Printers
• Large-scale Animatronics
• Battery-powered Pumps and Conveyor Systems

User Guide / How to Use

Connecting and using the BTS7960 module is straightforward. You only need four signal lines from your microcontroller.

Connections:

• Motor Power: Connect your motor's power supply (5.5V-27V) to the large screw terminals labeled M+ and M-.
• Motor Output: Connect your DC motor to the screw terminals labeled OUT.
• Logic Power: Connect VCC to the 5V output of your microcontroller (e.g., Arduino) and GND to the microcontroller's ground.

Control Method 1: PWM Speed Control

This is the most common method for variable speed control.

1. Connect R_EN and L_EN pins together and then to the 5V pin on your microcontroller. This permanently enables both forward and reverse channels.
2. To drive the motor forward, apply a PWM signal to the R_PWM pin. The motor's speed will correspond to the duty cycle of the PWM signal. Keep L_PWM LOW.
3. To drive the motor in reverse, apply a PWM signal to the L_PWM pin. Keep R_PWM LOW.
4. To brake, set both R_PWM and L_PWM to HIGH. To coast, set both to LOW.

Control Method 2: PWM Enable Control

This method uses the enable pins for speed control.

1. Connect R_EN and L_EN together and then to a PWM output pin on your microcontroller.
2. To drive forward, set R_PWM HIGH and L_PWM LOW. The speed is now controlled by the PWM signal on the enable pins.
3. To drive in reverse, set L_PWM HIGH and R_PWM LOW. The speed is still controlled by the PWM signal on the enable pins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Can I control two motors with one BTS7960 module?
  A: No, this module is designed to control a single high-power DC motor. It uses a full H-bridge configuration which requires the entire circuit for one motor to achieve forward and reverse control.
• Q: Does this module require a heat sink?
  A: For continuous operation at high currents (typically above 10-15A), a heat sink is highly recommended to dissipate heat effectively and prevent the thermal shutdown feature from activating. The module has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting.
• Q: What kind of power supply should I use?
  A: You need a DC power supply that can provide a voltage between 5.5V and 27V and can handle the current demands of your motor. A battery (like LiPo or Lead-Acid) or a high-current benchtop power supply is ideal.
• Q: Is this module compatible with a Raspberry Pi?
  A: Yes, but since the Raspberry Pi uses 3.3V logic, you should ensure your connections are compatible. The BTS7960 module accepts 3.3V-5V logic levels, so it should work directly. Always double-check your wiring.

Challenges and Considerations

• Power Supply: A stable, high-current power supply is crucial. A weak power supply can lead to poor performance and module resets.
• Heat Dissipation: When driving heavy loads, the driver ICs will generate heat. Ensure proper ventilation and consider adding a heat sink and even a small fan for sustained high-current applications.
• Wiring: Use thick gauge wires for the motor and power supply connections to handle the high current without significant voltage drop or overheating.
• Inductive Spikes: DC motors can generate voltage spikes. While the driver has some protection, ensuring clean power can extend the life of your electronics.

Compatibility

• Microcontrollers: Fully compatible with 5V and 3.3V logic microcontrollers, including Arduino UNO, Mega, Nano, ESP32, ESP8266, STM32, and more.
• Motors: Suitable for brushed DC motors within the specified voltage (5.5V-27V) and current (up to 43A) range.

Future Enhancement Options

• Current Sensing Feedback: Utilize the R_IS and L_IS pins to monitor the motor's current consumption. This data can be fed back to the microcontroller to implement stall detection or closed-loop torque control.
• Remote Control: Pair the module with a microcontroller like an ESP32 or ESP8266 to create a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-controlled robotic vehicle.
• Soft Start Implementation: Program a soft-start routine in your MCU by gradually increasing the PWM duty cycle to reduce mechanical stress and inrush current on startup.

Benefits

• Power and Performance: Easily control large, power-hungry DC motors that are impossible to drive with standard shields.
• Safety and Reliability: Protects your valuable microcontroller from the electrically noisy and high-power motor side of your project.
• Simplicity: Requires a minimal number of pins and straightforward code to get a motor spinning, making it accessible for beginners.
• Cost-Effective: Provides a high-current driving solution at an affordable price point, offered by Bigyan Project.

Conclusion

The BTS7960 43A Motor Driver Module is an essential component for anyone serious about robotics or high-power electronics projects. Its combination of immense power, robust protection features, and ease of use makes it a superior choice over smaller, less capable drivers. Whether you are building a battle bot, an electric vehicle, or an automated system, this module provides the performance and reliability you need to succeed. Order yours today from Bigyan Project and bring your powerful ideas to life.

Keywords

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