Pololu DRV8835 Dual Motor Driver Carrier
Pololu DRV8835 Dual Motor Driver Carrier
Pololu DRV8835 Dual Motor Driver Carrier
The Pololu DRV8835 Dual Motor Driver Carrier is a compact, integrated motor control solution featuring the Texas Instruments DRV8835 H-bridge IC, capable of independently driving two DC motors or a single stepper motor with PWM speed control and bidirectional operation. Roboticists, embedded systems engineers, and IoT developers rely on this module to achieve precise motor control in space-constrained applications, from autonomous robots to drone propulsion systems. This driver eliminates the complexity of discrete H-bridge design, providing a ready-to-use solution that reduces development time and ensures reliable motor commutation in microcontroller-based projects.
Product Overview
The DRV8835 Dual Motor Driver Carrier leverages Texas Instruments' advanced DRV8835 dual H-bridge IC to deliver independent control of two brushed DC motors or a single bipolar stepper motor with current ratings up to 1.5A per channel. The module operates across a wide supply voltage range of 2.7V to 10.8V, making it compatible with single-cell lithium batteries, 3S LiPo packs, and standard 5V/9V power supplies. The integrated protection features include internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and shoot-through protection, ensuring safe operation even under fault conditions. PWM frequency support up to 20kHz enables smooth speed control without audible motor noise, while the low-profile design and minimal component count make this carrier ideal for weight-sensitive and space-constrained robotics applications.
The carrier board simplifies integration by providing convenient screw terminals for motor connections, power input, and control signal headers compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontroller platforms. Each motor channel requires only two digital GPIO pins for direction control and one PWM-capable pin for speed modulation, allowing dual-motor systems to be controlled with as few as five microcontroller pins. The module's efficiency exceeds 90% at nominal operating conditions, minimizing heat dissipation and extending battery runtime in portable applications. Built-in reverse polarity protection on the power input safeguards against accidental connection errors, while the compact 0.5 x 0.9 inch form factor enables seamless integration into confined spaces without compromising performance or reliability.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Dual Motor Driver Carrier with DRV8835 H-Bridge IC |
| Brand | Pololu Robotics and Electronics |
| Origin | Original/Authentic |
| Warranty | 7 days on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | 1-5 days from Bengaluru |
| Delivery | 7-8 days across India |
| Support | 24/7 via Email and WhatsApp |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7V to 10.8V DC |
| Maximum Current per Channel | 1.5A continuous (3A peak) |
| Number of Motor Channels | 2 independent channels or 1 stepper motor |
| PWM Frequency Support | Up to 20kHz |
| Control Interface | Digital GPIO (2 pins per motor for direction) + PWM (1 pin per motor for speed) |
| Board Dimensions | 0.5 x 0.9 inches (12.7 x 22.9 mm) |
| Weight | Approximately 2 grams |
| Protection Features | Current limiting, thermal shutdown, shoot-through protection, reverse polarity protection |
Key Features
- Dual Independent H-Bridge Channels: Control two DC motors separately or drive a single bipolar stepper motor with full 4-step sequencing capability
- Wide Operating Voltage: 2.7V to 10.8V supply range accommodates single-cell LiPo (3.7V nominal), 3S LiPo packs (11.1V nominal with buck converter), and standard 5V/9V regulated supplies
- High Current Capacity: 1.5A continuous per channel with 3A peak current handling enables control of medium-sized motors and provides thermal headroom for transient loads
- Integrated Protection Circuitry: Automatic current limiting, thermal shutdown at 160°C, and shoot-through protection prevent catastrophic failures from short circuits or thermal runaway
- PWM Speed Control: Supports PWM frequencies up to 20kHz for smooth, noise-free motor operation and precise speed modulation across the full 0-100% duty cycle range
- Minimal Pin Requirements: Each motor requires only 3 microcontroller pins (2 direction + 1 PWM), reducing GPIO overhead in pin-constrained embedded systems
- Compact Form Factor: Ultra-small 0.5 x 0.9 inch PCB enables integration into confined spaces without sacrificing performance or adding significant weight
- Reverse Polarity Protection: Integrated protection circuit prevents damage from accidental power supply reversal, enhancing reliability in field deployments
Applications and Use Cases
- Autonomous Mobile Robots: Drive differential-drive and skid-steer robot platforms with independent left/right motor control for precise navigation and obstacle avoidance algorithms
- Drone and Quadcopter Projects: Control brushless motor ESCs or brushed motors in custom drone designs with PWM speed regulation for stable flight dynamics and altitude hold
- Robotic Arms and Manipulators: Operate multiple joint actuators with coordinated motion control for pick-and-place operations and collaborative robotic applications
- Line-Following and Maze-Solving Robots: Enable rapid motor direction reversals and speed adjustments for real-time path correction based on sensor feedback
- 3D Printer and CNC Machine Control: Drive XY stepper motors or brushed actuators for precision positioning in additive manufacturing and subtractive machining applications
- Educational Robotics Platforms: Simplify motor control in Arduino and Raspberry Pi-based learning projects, reducing circuit complexity and enabling focus on algorithm development
- Hobby RC Vehicle Conversions: Replace mechanical servo-based steering with dual motor control for custom RC car and boat projects with programmable speed and direction
- Industrial Automation Prototypes: Prototype conveyor belt drives, sorting mechanisms, and material handling systems with reliable, repeatable motor control
How to Use
To integrate the Pololu DRV8835 Dual Motor Driver Carrier into your project, begin by connecting your power supply (2.7V to 10.8V) to the GND and VCC screw terminals, ensuring correct polarity to activate the integrated reverse polarity protection. Connect your two DC motors or stepper motor windings to the OUT1/OUT2 and OUT3/OUT4 terminals using appropriately gauged wire to handle the 1.5A continuous current. Next, wire the control inputs to your microcontroller: connect GND to the microcontroller ground, then assign GPIO pins for IN1 and IN2 (motor 1 direction control), IN3 and IN4 (motor 2 direction control), and PWM-capable pins for ENABLE1 and ENABLE2 (speed control). Configure your microcontroller firmware to set IN1/IN2 and IN3/IN4 as digital outputs for direction selection (forward: IN1 high/IN2 low, reverse: IN1 low/IN2 high), and PWM outputs for ENABLE pins with frequencies between 1kHz and 20kHz for optimal performance and minimal audible noise.
For stepper motor operation, implement 4-step or 8-step sequencing logic in your firmware to energize motor coils in the correct sequence, using the dual channels to control both motor phases. Monitor motor current consumption and thermal behavior during initial testing; if the carrier becomes warm to the touch or thermal shutdown occurs, verify that motor current does not exceed 1.5A continuous and ensure adequate heat dissipation through proper board placement away from enclosed spaces. For PWM frequencies below 5kHz, you may observe slight motor cogging; increase PWM frequency toward 20kHz for smoother operation. Always implement software safeguards to prevent rapid direction reversals (add 50-100ms delays between forward and reverse commands) to avoid excessive current spikes and premature wear on motor brushes. Test your control logic with a multimeter or oscilloscope to confirm correct voltage levels on control pins before connecting high-current motors to prevent accidental damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the DRV8835 Dual Motor Driver Carrier control stepper motors?
Yes, absolutely. The DRV8835 features two independent H-bridge channels that can be configured to drive a single bipolar stepper motor. You implement 4-step or 8-step sequencing in your microcontroller firmware to energize the motor coils in the correct sequence. For example, in 4-step mode, you activate IN1 high and IN3 high for the first step, then rotate through IN1/IN2 and IN3/IN4 combinations to create the stepping motion. Stepper motors require more frequent direction changes than DC motors, so ensure your firmware implements proper timing between steps to achieve smooth rotation.
What is the maximum current rating and how do I prevent thermal shutdown?
The DRV8835 Dual Motor Driver Carrier is rated for 1.5A continuous current per channel, with a peak current capacity of 3A for short durations. Thermal shutdown activates at approximately 160°C to protect the IC from damage. To prevent unwanted thermal shutdown, ensure your motors draw less than 1.5A under normal operating conditions, mount the carrier on a PCB with adequate copper pour for heat dissipation, and avoid confining the module in enclosed spaces without airflow. If you regularly approach 1.5A per channel, consider upgrading to a higher-current driver like the Pololu DRV8838 or adding a small heatsink to the IC. Always test your system under worst-case load conditions before deployment.
How do I select the correct PWM frequency for my application?
The DRV8835 supports PWM frequencies from DC (0Hz) up to 20kHz. For most hobby robotics applications, frequencies between 5kHz and 20kHz are recommended. Lower frequencies (below 5kHz) may produce audible motor cogging or whining, especially noticeable in quiet environments. Higher frequencies (above 15kHz) are inaudible to humans and provide smoother motor operation. The trade-off is that very high frequencies increase switching losses slightly, reducing overall efficiency by 1-2%. For battery-powered robots, use 10-20kHz for silent operation; for wired applications where noise is less critical, 5-10kHz is acceptable. Avoid frequencies below 1kHz as they may cause motor stalling or erratic behavior.
Can I use the DRV8835 with a Raspberry Pi or Arduino?
Yes, the DRV8835 is fully compatible with both Arduino and Raspberry Pi platforms. For Arduino, connect the control pins to any digital GPIO pins and use PWM-capable pins (marked with ~ on the board) for speed control. Use digitalWrite() for direction control and analogWrite() for PWM speed modulation.
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