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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 Pololu's 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:
Motoron M2H18v20 Dual High-Power Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi | Motoron M2H18v18 Dual High-Power Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi | Motoron M2H24v16 Dual High-Power Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi | Motoron M2H24v14 Dual High-Power Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi | |
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Absolute max input voltage: | 30 V | 40 V | ||
Max nominal battery voltage: | 18 V | 28 V | ||
Max continuous current per channel: | 20 A | 18 A | 16 A | 14 A |
Available versions: |
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 #5056
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The M2H18v20 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 20 A per motor. The M2H18v20 can be distinguished from other types of M2H controllers by its larger discrete MOSFETs and the number 150 on top of the tall silver electrolytic capacitors.
This version is just the assembled PCB module as shown above, with no connectors or standoffs included.
The M2H18v20 is also available with connectors soldered or as a kit with connectors included but not soldered in.
Motoron M2H Dual High-Power Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi pinout. |
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Features and specifications
Two Motoron M2H shields stacked on a Raspberry Pi. |
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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.
Warning: This motor driver has no over-temperature shut-off. An over-temperature or over-current condition can cause permanent damage to the motor driver. You might consider using either the Motoron’s current sense or an external current sensor to monitor your current draw.
This product can get hot enough to burn under normal operating conditions. Take care when handling this product and other components connected to it.
The Motoron family
The table below lists the members of the Motoron family and shows the key differences among them. Each type 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.
Motoron Motor Controllers | |||||
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M3S256 M3H256 | M2S24v14 M2H24v14 | M2S24v16 M2H24v16 | M2S18v18 M2H18v18 | M2S18v20 M2H18v20 | |
Motor channels: | triple (3) | dual (2) | |||
Max input voltage: | 48 V | 40 V1 | 30 V1 | ||
Max nominal battery voltage: | 36 V | 28 V | 18 V | ||
Max continuous current per channel: | 2 A | 14 A | 16 A | 18 A | 20 A |
Available versions for Arduino: | M3S256 | M2S24v14 | M2S24v16 | M2S18v18 | M2S18v20 |
Available versions for Raspberry Pi: | M3H256 | M2H24v14 | M2H24v16 | M2H18v18 | M2H18v20 |
1 Absolute maximum. |
Dimensions
Size: | 65 mm × 56 mm |
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Weight: | 17 g |
General specifications
Channels: | 2 |
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Model: | Motoron M2H18v20 |
Interface: | I²C |
Minimum operating voltage: | 6.5 V |
Maximum operating voltage: | 30 V1 |
Continuous output current per channel: | 20 A2 |
Reverse voltage protection?: | Y |
Connectors soldered?: | N |
Identifying markings
PCB dev codes: | mc2h31b |
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Other PCB markings: | 0J13644 |
Notes:
Documentation and other information
Pololu Motoron Motor Controller User’s Guide (Printable PDF)
User’s manual for the Pololu Motoron Motor Controllers.
File downloads
Dimension diagram of the Motoron M2H Dual High-Power Motor Controller for Raspberry Pi (577k pdf)
3D models (STEP) of the Motoron M2H Dual High-Power Motor Controllers for Raspberry Pi (6MB zip)
This file contains 3D models (in the step file format) of the Motoron M2H Dual High-Power Motor Controllers for Raspberry Pi.
Drill guide for the Motoron M2H Dual High-Power Motor Controllers for Raspberry Pi (53k dxf)
This DXF drawing shows the locations of all of the board’s holes.
Recommended links
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