MX1508 Dual H-Bridge PWM Motor Driver Module

MX1508 Dual H-Bridge PWM Motor Driver Module is a compact and highly versatile solution for controlling up to two DC brush motors or one 4-wire stepper motor using a microcontroller. This module integrates two independent H-bridges built around the robust MX1508 chip, which allows forward, reverse, and brake control for motors operating on low-voltage DC power. Consequently, it offers excellent efficiency and thermal performance within a small footprint. You can easily drive this module directly from Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other 3.3 V/5 V logic systems, using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals to precisely manage motor speed. Therefore, the MX1508 is the perfect, low-cost choice for portable robotics, smart cars, and battery-powered automation projects.

Key Features:

• Dual H-Bridge Configuration: The module provides two full H-bridges, which allows simultaneous independent control of two DC motors, or alternatively, bi-polar control of a single stepper motor.
• High Current Capability: Each bridge supports a continuous drive current of up to 1.5 A, with a peak transient current reaching 2.5 A, powering demanding small motors.
• Wide Operating Voltage: Accepts motor supply voltages ranging from 2 V to 10 V DC, making it highly flexible for different battery chemistries and power requirements.
• PWM Speed Control: The control pins fully support PWM input frequencies up to 50 kHz, enabling smooth, accurate speed adjustment and dynamic torque control.
• Built-in Protection: Includes integrated thermal shutdown (TSD) and overcurrent protection (OCP) circuits to enhance reliability and protect the driver chip and motors.

Technical Specifications:

• Driver Chip: MX1508
• Motor Supply Voltage (V_M): 2 V to 10 V DC
• Logic Supply Voltage (V_CC): 2 V to 7 V DC (Often connected to 3.3 V or 5 V logic)
• Continuous Output Current (I_OUT): 1.5 A per channel
• Peak Output Current: 2.5 A (Short duration)
• PWM Frequency Support: Up to 50 kHz
• Protection: Thermal Shutdown and Overcurrent Protection

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Type: Small PCB module with integrated MX1508 IC
• Mounting: Solder pads or optional pin headers for THT/breadboard integration.
• Heat Dissipation: Uses PCB copper area for heat sinking (adequate for continuous 1.5 A current).

Dimensions:

• Module Board Size: ≈ 25 mm x 20 mm
• Pin Pitch: 2.54 mm (0.1 in)
• Weight: ≈ 3 g (Extremely lightweight)

Pinout and Wiring:

• VCC: Logic supply input (Connect to 3.3 V or 5 V from MCU).
• GND: Ground reference for both motor and logic circuits.
• VM: Motor supply voltage input (Connect to 2 V to 10 V power source).
• IN1, IN2: Control inputs for Motor A (IN1: Direction 1, IN2: Direction 2, and PWM for speed).
• OUT1, OUT2: Motor A outputs (Connect to the two terminals of Motor A).
• IN3, IN4: Control inputs for Motor B (IN3: Direction 1, IN4: Direction 2, and PWM for speed).
• OUT3, OUT4: Motor B outputs (Connect to the two terminals of Motor B).
• Wiring Note: Drive one input (e.g., IN1) with PWM and the other (IN2) with a fixed high/low signal to control speed and direction.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download MX1508 Motor Driver Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• Micro-Robotics: Used extensively in differential drive robot platforms and line-following robots.
• Educational Kits: Essential component in entry-level Arduino and Raspberry Pi Pico robotics learning kits.
• Battery-Powered Devices: Implementing efficient motion control in portable consumer electronics and toys.

Applications:

• Two DC Motor Control: Independently drives two small DC motors for steering or actuation.
• Stepper Motor Control: Drives one small bi-polar stepper motor, often used for camera focusing or small positioning systems.
• Solenoid Control: You can utilize the H-bridge output to control solenoids or small linear actuators requiring bidirectional voltage.

Equivalent Models:

• L298N (Larger Module): A classic, but much larger and less efficient dual H-bridge driver. The MX1508 is a modern, however, lower-voltage alternative.
• DRV8833: A similar low-voltage, dual H-bridge IC offering comparable current limits in a surface-mount package, frequently used in high-density applications.
• TB6612FNG: Another popular dual H-bridge chip, providing high efficiency and continuous 1.2 A current, often considered functionally equivalent.

Package Includes:

• 1 x MX1508 Dual H-Bridge PWM Motor Driver Module