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FireBeetle DC Motor & Stepper Driver Module

SKU: DFR0508

The FireBeetle Covers-DC Motor & Stepper Driver is designed for FireBeetle microcontrollers. It controls up to 4 DC motors or 2 stepper motors simultaneously. Integrating an STM8 coprocessor (IIC, 1000Hz refresh), it reduces MCU load. With 2x TB6612FNG chips, it’s low-power (30mA static), outputs 1.2A@5V (3.2A peak), and supports 4-12V input. It also drives 4 servos, ideal for intelligent cars and gear control.

Front of DC motor driver module with green terminal blocks and microcontroller for Arduino.-DFRobot product sku:DFR0508 image.

Downloadable Resources

  • Docs
  • Tech Specs
    • 1. Example Code for Arduino-DC Motor Drive

    FireBeetle Covers-DC Motor&Stepper Driver can control up to 4-channel DC motors simultaneously. There are 4 marked motor connectors: M1A&M1B, M2A&M2B, M3A&M3B and M4A&M4B. We’ll show you how to control a DC motor with a Firebeetle or Arduino board. Program Function: the first group rotate in C.W.(Clockwise) for 2s and rotate in anti-clockwise for 2s, then stop for 2s and followed by recycling.
    2. Example Code for Arduino-Stepper Motor Drive

    FireBeetle Covers-DC Motor&Stepper Driver can control two-channel two-phase four-wire stepper motors simultaneously. It adopts DC motor interface and control via IIC interface. The test explains the way demonstrates how to control a two-channel two-phase four-wire stepper motor by Arduino main board. Program Function: group A stepper motor (M1A(A+), M1B(A-), M2A(B+), M2B(B-)) reverse the rotation direction in every 2s.
    3. Example Code for Arduino-DC and Stepper Motor Drive

    FireBeetle Covers-DC Motor&Stepper Driver can control a stepper motor and 2 DC motors simultaneously and let them work independent to each other. The test explains the way to control both stepper motor and DC motors at the same time. Program Function: group A stepper motors (M1A(A+), M1B(A-), M2A(B+), M2B(B-)) reverse in every 3s and group 4 DC motor (M4A(+), M4B(-))reverse in every 1.5s.
    4. API and I2C Address

    This article offers a detailed look at controlling DC and stepper motors using the FireBeetle Covers-DC Motor&Stepper Driver library, including communication protocols, API functions, and library installation.

    Specification

    Parameter Description
    Microprocessor STM8S105
    Operating Voltage 3.3~5V (Connect to FireBeetle VCC Terminal)
    Operating Voltage 30mA
    Motor Drive Chip TB6612FNG
    Motor [null Drive] Voltage 4-12V
    Output current 1.2A single-channel continuous drive current
    Start / Peak Current 2A (continuous pulse) / 3.2A (single pulse)
    Communication Port IIC
    IIC Address 0x18
    Dimension 2.28inches x 1.14inches (58mm x 29mm)

    Pinout

    FireBeetle_Covers-DC_Motor&Stepper_Driver

    STATUS Instruction

    • LED Mode1: Blink (frequency: 30Hz), indicating the motor drive chip is waiting for initialization commands from the host.
    • LED Mode2: Lighting, indicating the motor drive chip works well (control motor operation and wait initialization commands from the host).
    • LED Mode3: OFF, indicating communication error of the motor drive chip.

    Provide 4-channel servo drive interfaces (D6-D9) and 4-channel general motor drive interfaces (M1A/M1B, M2A/M2B, M3A/M3B, M4A/M4B).

    FAQ

    • How could FireBeetle Board-ESP32 control servos with Arduino?

      ESP32 is incompatible with local servo library files of Arduino IDE itself, but you can download DFRobot Arduino-Servo library to enable servo drive.

    • Why the program cannot be downloaded when plug the Motor Expansion Board?
      FireBeetle-ESP32 Board V1.0 is conflict with the motor expansion board in RESET circuit. You need to unplug the expansion board to download and upload.And DFRobot fixed this problem in the following FireBeetle series.

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