Description

Overview

The Motoron M2H family of dual high-power motor controller add-on boards makes it easy to control up two bidirectional, brushed DC motors with a compatible Raspberry Pi (Model B+ or newer). The M2H controllers are designed to stack on top of a Raspberry Pi (Model B+ or newer), similar to a HAT (Hardware Attached on Top), and multiple controllers can be stacked on top of each other, allowing independent control of many motors. Unlike most of our motor drivers and motor driver expansion boards for Raspberry Pi, the Motoron does not require any PWM outputs on your Raspberry Pi. Instead, the Raspberry Pi communicates with the Motoron using I²C, so only two GPIO pins are needed regardless of how many Motorons you connect. Four types are available so you can pick the one with the appropriate operating voltage range and output current capabilities for your project:

Each of the four types above is available in three versions to provide different options for the through-hole connectors: they can be purchased as an assembled product with stackable headers and terminal blocks soldered in, as a kit with connectors included but not soldered in, or as a standalone board without connectors.

For a lower-power, lower-cost alternative, please consider the Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi. For applications using an Arduino or compatible controller, consider the Motoron M2S Dual High-Power Motor Controllers for Arduino.

Details for item #5049

The M2H18v18 controller operates from 6.5 V to 30 V (absolute maximum, not intended for use with 24 V batteries) and can deliver continuous output currents up to 18 A per motor. The M2H18v18 can be distinguished from other types of M2H controllers by its smaller discrete MOSFETs and the number 150 on top of the tall silver electrolytic capacitors.

This version is a kit with the following connectors included but not soldered in:

• One 2×20 stackable female header
• Three 2-pin 5mm screw terminal blocks
• One 1×25 breakaway male header (you can cut or break this into smaller header strips to install as desired)

It also includes a set of four M2.5 standoffs (11 mm length), screws, and nuts that can be used to secure the board at the proper height

The M2H24v16 is also available with connectors soldered, or as a standalone board without connectors.

Terminal block warnings:
1) The 5mm blue terminal blocks are rated for up to 16 A, so for higher-current applications we recommend getting an unsoldered version and then soldering thick wires directly to the board.
2) The included terminal blocks are taller than the headers, so precautions must be taken when stacking multiple Motoron M2H modules assembled with 5mm terminal blocks. As shown in the picture below, the terminal block pins should be trimmed, and the nuts included with the standoffs can be used as extra spacers.

Features and specifications

• Two motor control channels allow for independent control of up to two bidirectional brushed DC motors
• Reverse-voltage protection on motor power supply
• Logic voltage range: 3.0 V to 5.5 V
• Control interface: I²C
• I²C clock speed: up to 400 kHz
• 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
• Current sensing
• Configurable hardware current limiting
• Command timeout feature stops motors if the Raspberry Pi stops functioning
• Configurable automatic error response
• Motor power supply (VIN) voltage measurement
• Optional pins make it easy to power the Raspberry Pi from reverse-protected motor power through an external regulator (not included)
• Two status LEDs
• Motor direction indicator LEDs
• Motoron Python library simplifies getting started using the Motoron with a Raspberry Pi
• Comprehensive user’s guide

Real-world power dissipation consideration

The MOSFETs can handle large current spikes for short durations (e.g. 100 A for a few milliseconds), and the driver’s current chopping will keep the average current under the set limit. The peak ratings are for quick transients (e.g. when a motor is first turned on), and the continuous rating is dependent on various conditions, such as the ambient temperature. PWMing the motor will introduce additional heating proportional to the frequency. The actual current you can deliver will depend on how well you can keep the motor driver cool. The driver’s printed circuit board is designed to draw heat out of the MOSFETs, but performance can be improved by adding a heat sink or air flow. For high-current installations, the motor and power supply wires should also be soldered directly instead of going through the 5mm blue terminal blocks, which are rated for up to 16 A.

This product can get hot enough to burn under normal operating conditions. Take care when handling this product and other components connected to it.

Specs

Dimensions

Size:	65 mm × 56 mm
Weight:	17 g1

General specifications

Channels:	2
Model:	Motoron M2H18v18
Interface:	I²C
Minimum operating voltage:	6.5 V
Maximum operating voltage:	30 V2
Continuous output current per channel:	18 A3
Reverse voltage protection?:	Y
Connectors soldered?:	N

Identifying markings

PCB dev codes:	mc2h31a
Other PCB markings:	0J13656

Notes:

1

PCB assembly only, without optional included headers, terminal blocks, or standoffs.

2

Absolute maximum; higher voltages can permanently destroy the motor drivers. Recommended maximum is approximately 24 V, which leaves a safety margin for ripple voltage on the supply line. Not recommended for use with 24V batteries.

3

Typical results at room temperature with both channels running at 90% duty cycle.

.

Resources

Documentation and other information