Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi (Connectors Soldered)

The Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller makes it easy to control DC motors from a Raspberry Pi (Model B+ or newer) through an I²C interface. Each module can independently control up to three motors, and multiple Motoron boards can be stacked on top of the same Raspberry Pi for projects that need to control even more motors. The M3H256 operates from 4.5 V to 48 V and can deliver continuous output currents up to 2 A per motor. This version ships with soldered stackable headers and terminal blocks.

Overview

The Motoron M3H256 add-on board makes it easy to control up to three bidirectional, brushed DC motors with a compatible Raspberry Pi (Model B+ or newer). It operates from 4.5 V to 48 V and can deliver continuous output currents up to 2 A per motor. The M3H256 is designed to stack on top of a Raspberry Pi (Model B+ or newer), similar to a HAT (Hardware Attached on Top), and multiple Motoron 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.

Three M3H256 versions are available to provide different options for the through-hole connectors:

• Motoron M3H256 with soldered stackable headers and terminal blocks
• Motoron M3H256 with headers and terminal blocks included but not soldered in
• Motoron M3H256 without any headers, terminal blocks, or mounting hardware included

For applications using an Arduino or compatible controller, consider the Motoron M3S256 instead (also available with different connector options).

Details for item #5033

Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi (Connectors Soldered).

A Motoron M3H256 being controlled by a Raspberry Pi.

Three Motoron M3H256 controllers being controlled by a Raspberry Pi.

This version of the Motoron M3H256 ships with soldered stackable headers and terminal blocks. It includes a set of two M2.5 standoffs (11 mm length), screws, and nuts that can be used to secure the board at the proper height for the GPIO connector.

Motoron M3H256 Triple Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi pinout.

Features and specifications

• Three motor control channels allow for independent control of up to three bidirectional brushed DC motors per Motoron
• Wide operating voltage range: 4.5 V to 48 V
• Maximum output current per motor: 2.0 A continuous, 6.4 A peak for <1 second
• Reverse-voltage protection on motor power supply (down to -40 V)
• Logic voltage range: 2.8 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
• Command timeout feature stops motors if the Raspberry Pi stops communicating
• 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

Dimensions

General specifications

Identifying markings

Notes:

1  Not including standoffs.

2  Not recommended for use with 48V batteries.

3  Note: Reverse voltage protection only works up to 40 V.