Motoron Dual Motor Controller

by Pololu

The Motoron M2T256 and M2U256 controllers make it easy to control two bidirectional, brushed DC motors using an I²C or TTL serial (UART) interface, respectively.

These compact (0.6″ × 0.8″) boards operate from 4.5 V to 48 V and can deliver continuous output currents up to 1.8 A per motor. Multiple Motoron controllers can be configured to work on a single I²C or serial bus, allowing independent control of many motors. Unlike most of our motor drivers, the Motoron does not require any PWM outputs or timers on your microcontroller. Instead, only a single I²C or UART interface is needed regardless of how many Motorons you connect.

These Motoron controllers are available in two versions:

  • M2T256 (I²C)
  • M2U256 (TTL serial)

The M2T256 has an I²C interface, and ships with a 1×16 breakaway male header included but not soldered in.

The M2U256 has a non-inverted TTL serial (UART) interface, and ships with a 1×16 breakaway male header included but not soldered in.

Features and specifications

  • Two motor control channels allow for independent control of up to two bidirectional brushed DC motors per Motoron
  • Wide operating voltage range: 4.5 V to 48 V (absolute maximum)
    • Recommended maximum nominal battery voltage is approximately 36 V
  • Maximum output current per motor: 1.8 A continuous, 6.4 A peak for <1 second
  • Reverse-voltage protection on motor power supply (down to -40 V)
  • Logic voltage range: 3.0 V to 5.5 V
  • Control interface:
    • M2T256: I²C (up to 400 kHz)
    • M2U256: non-inverted TTL serial (up to 250 kbps)
  • Optional cyclic redundancy checking (CRC)
  • Configurable motion parameters:
    • Max acceleration/deceleration forward/reverse
    • Starting speed forward/reverse
    • Direction change delay forward/reverse
  • PWM frequency: eight options available from 1 kHz to 80 kHz
  • Command timeout feature stops motors if the Motoron stops receiving commands
  • Configurable automatic error response
  • Motor power supply (VIN) voltage measurement
  • Two status LEDs
  • Motor direction indicator LEDs
  • Error output for easier detection of error conditions
  • Motoron Arduino library simplifies getting started using the Motoron with an Arduino or compatible controller
  • Comprehensive user’s guide

Resources