TB6612FNG motor controller stopped working (sorta)...

Robotics
1

I’m using the TB6612FNG motor controller with an Sparkfun Pro Micro and also a Current Sensor Breakout (ACS723). It was working for a bit but has now stopped. The end use is to drive a 12VDC linear actuator that draws ~500mA in normal operation.

I measure voltage on the A01 and A02 pins that seems to be correctly switching polarity, but it’s not delivering current enough to spin even the little geared motor that comes in the SIK. Is it probable that I smoked the op-amp/power transistor that feeds power to the motor outputs? Can anyone suggest ways to troubleshoot this board for health checks?

Thanks.

2

Hello there.

What happens if you eliminate the op-amp/power transistor and just use the TB6612FNG?

3

I don’t have a separate op-amp - I was assuming there’s something like that built into the TB6612FNG. I know just a dangerous amount of EE…

My assembly is just

  • Pro Micro

  • TB6612FNG

  • ACS723

  • 12V power supply

  • Motor

Thanks.

4

If you’re seeing voltage on the output of the motor driver and it’s switching polarity when you instruct the motor to reverse, it should be working correctly.

Are you sure you don’t have any loose connections and that your code is working properly? Can you supply links to some high resolution photos showing your setup and the top and bottom of the TB6612FNG board?