TB6612FNG Motor Drive Board Module Small Volume and High Balance Trolley Super L298N

TB6612FNG motor driver module Product Overview

The TB6612FNG motor driver module is a high‑performance dual DC motor driver based on the TB6612FNG chip, capable of independently driving two DC motors in both directions. It features high integration, small size, and high efficiency. Continuous current is 1.2A, peak current 3.2A, motor supply voltage VM is 4.5‑10V, and logic supply VCC is 2.7‑5.5V. It supports PWM speed control, forward/reverse, brake, stop, and standby modes. Widely used in smart cars, robots, self‑balancing vehicles, it is an ideal replacement for the bulky L298N.

TB6612FNG motor driver module Core Features

Dual Independent Motor Control： Drives two DC motors simultaneously, each with forward, reverse, brake, and stop modes, controlled via AIN1/AIN2 and BIN1/BIN2 pins.

PWM Speed Control： Separate PWM inputs (PWMA, PWMB) enable smooth, continuous speed regulation.

High Current Capability： Continuous 1.2A, peak 3.2A – suitable for most small DC motors (TT motors, N20, 370, etc.).

Wide Voltage Range： Motor supply VM 4.5‑10V, logic supply VCC 2.7‑5.5V – direct connection to 3.3V/5V MCUs.

Low Standby Power： STBY pin puts the driver into low‑power standby mode, ideal for battery‑powered applications.

Compact Size： Significantly smaller than L298N, fits easily into compact robots and smart cars.

Overcurrent & Thermal Protection： Built‑in protection circuits enhance system reliability.

TB6612FNG motor driver module Applications

Smart cars / Robots： Drive two DC motors for forward, reverse, turning, and differential steering.

Self‑balancing / Two‑wheeled balancing vehicles： Works with gyro sensors for dynamic balance.

Pan‑tilt / Camera control： Drives two small motors for pan and tilt.

Conveyors / Small automation equipment： Motor start/stop and speed regulation.

DIY maker projects： Replace L298N to save space and power.

TB6612FNG motor driver module Key Advantages

The TB6612FNG is an excellent replacement for the classic L298N motor driver. Compared to L298N, it is over 70% smaller, has lower on‑resistance, higher efficiency, and operates without heatsinks for continuous loads. PWM frequency can go up to 100kHz for fast response. The separate logic and motor supplies allow direct connection to 3.3V/5V microcontrollers without level shifters. The module provides clearly labelled pins and complete control logic. With abundant open‑source libraries and examples, the TB6612FNG is the preferred driver for smart car competitions and robotics education.

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FAQ:

1. What is the TB6612FNG motor driver module and why is it called a "super L298N"?
   The TB6612FNG is a compact dual H‑bridge motor driver based on Toshiba’s TB6612FNG IC. It is often called a "super L298N" because it offers higher efficiency, much smaller size, and a higher PWM frequency than the classic L298N, while still being able to drive two DC motors or one stepper motor. Unlike the L298N, it uses MOSFET outputs that dramatically reduce voltage drop and heat generation.

2. What are the main advantages of the TB6612FNG over the L298N?
   The TB6612FNG uses MOSFET H‑bridges instead of bipolar transistors, resulting in a very low voltage drop (typically 0.5 V vs. 2‑3 V on the L298N) and much less heat. It supports a higher PWM frequency (up to 100 kHz), which allows for quieter motor operation. The board itself is roughly one‑quarter the size of an L298N module, making it ideal for small robots and space‑constrained projects. It also draws far less quiescent current and includes a dedicated standby pin for power saving.

3. What is the operating voltage range of the TB6612FNG module? Can I use it with 3.3 V or 5 V logic?
   The motor supply (VM) can range from 2.5 V to 13.5 V, making it suitable for both low‑voltage and standard DC motors. The logic supply (VCC) can be 2.7 V to 5.5 V, so it works directly with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers without level shifting. The control inputs are 3.3 V‑ and 5 V‑tolerant as long as VCC is within its specified range.

4. How much continuous current can each channel deliver? Can it handle motor stall currents?
   Each channel can deliver up to 1.2 A continuous current, with a peak of 2 A for a few seconds (or 3.2 A for a single pulse). This is sufficient for most small to medium DC motors used in hobby robotics. If your motor draws more than 1.2 A continuously, the TB6612FNG will overheat and may trigger its thermal shutdown. For higher currents, consider a motor driver with external MOSFETs.

5. What is the purpose of the STBY (standby) pin? Can I use it to save power?
   The STBY pin is a master enable for both H‑bridges. When pulled low, the motor outputs are immediately disabled and the driver enters a low‑power state, consuming only a few microamps. This allows you to put the motors to sleep without removing power. Many Arduino libraries control the STBY pin automatically; if you do not need this feature, simply tie it to VCC to keep the driver active.

6. How do I connect the TB6612FNG to an Arduino? What pins are used?
   Connect VM to the motor power supply (2.5‑13.5 V), VCC to the Arduino’s 5 V (or 3.3 V) pin, and all GNDs together. The motor outputs (A01, A02, B01, B02) go to the motors. The control pins—AIN1, AIN2, PWMA, BIN1, BIN2, PWMB, and STBY—are connected to digital I/O pins on the Arduino. You only need six GPIOs and one optional STBY pin to control both motors. The popular "Adafruit Motor Shield" library or the "TB6612FNG" library can be used for simple motor control.

7. What is the maximum PWM frequency I can use with this driver? Will it make the motors noisy?
   The TB6612FNG can accept PWM frequencies up to 100 kHz. Most Arduino libraries default to a frequency between 1 kHz and 20 kHz, which keeps the motor inaudible. Unlike the L298N, which generates an annoying whine at low PWM frequencies, the TB6612FNG allows you to run the PWM well above the human hearing range, resulting in virtually silent motor operation.

8. Does the module include built‑in flyback diodes? Do I need to add external ones?
   No external diodes are required. The TB6612FNG IC integrates fast recovery diodes on all four low‑side and high‑side MOSFETs, providing robust protection against inductive voltage spikes from the motor coils. This simplifies the PCB layout and reduces the bill of materials compared to an L298N, which needs eight external diodes.

9. Why does my TB6612FNG module get hot, and how can I reduce the heat?
   Heat is generated mainly by the motor current flowing through the internal MOSFETs. At 1.2 A per channel, the chip can become quite warm. To reduce heat, ensure the motor supply voltage is adequate but not excessively higher than the motor’s rated voltage, use a heat sink or a small fan if continuous high current is required, and make sure the board’s ground plane is used for heat dissipation. The module’s small size means it has limited surface area, so adequate ventilation is important.

10. What are the most common applications for the TB6612FNG motor driver module?
    It is a favorite in small robotics: two‑wheel balancing robots, line‑following cars, micro sumo robots, and compact CNC machines. Its tiny footprint, high efficiency, and silent PWM operation make it the go‑to choice for any Arduino or ESP32 project that needs to drive two small DC motors in a tight space. It is also widely used as a drop‑in upgrade for L298N‑based designs where size and heat are problems.