> **Source:** Core Electronics is an Australian maker-electronics retailer and manufacturer based in Newcastle, NSW, run by a team of makers and educators. We design and manufacture our own product lines (PiicoDev, CE originals) and are official retailers for iconic maker and industrial brands including Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Adafruit, SparkFun and DFRobot. Orders ship Australia-wide from our Newcastle warehouse. Prices are in AUD and include GST. Pricing, stock and dispatch on this page are generated from the store's live catalog. Full machine-readable index: https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt # Motoron M2T256 Dual I²C Motor Controller **Type:** Product page · **SKU:** POLOLU-5065 · **Brand:** [Pololu](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/pololu-australia) **Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t256-dual-ic-motor-controller.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t256-dual-ic-motor-controller.html.md)) The Motoron M2T256 Dual I²C Motor Controller offers a compact solution for controlling two DC motors using an I²C interface. Multiple Motoron controllers... ## Pricing - **Price:** $38.90 (inc GST) — $35.36 AUD, exc GST - **Quantity discounts:** 10+ $33.95 (exc GST) · 25+ $32.89 (exc GST) ## Availability & dispatch - Available with a lead time — expect dispatch between Aug 25 and Aug 28. ## How to buy - **Build a cart:** compose `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link?items=POLOLU-5065:1` (comma-separated SKU:qty pairs) and share the link. Opening it shows a confirmation page with live pricing and stock before anything is added to the cart. - **Verify the cart first:** fetch `https://core-electronics.com.au/cart/link/POLOLU-5065:1.md` for live line prices (inc & exc GST, quantity discounts applied), stock and dispatch estimates, and totals. Append `/to/{AU-postcode}` (or `/to/{country-code}:{postcode}`) before `.md` for delivery options and prices to that destination. Unknown, retired, or out-of-stock SKUs are flagged. (Query form `cart/link.md?items=...` also works but some robots parsers refuse query strings here.) - **Checkout** is completed on-site and includes a captcha at the payment step. Share the cart link; checkout takes it from there. - **Search the catalogue:** `https://core-electronics.com.au/search/{query}.md` (URL-encode the query; pages 2-3 at `search/{query}/{page}.md`; `search.md?q=` also works) - **Payment methods, purchase orders, policies and contact details:** https://core-electronics.com.au/llms.txt ## Description | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11813_32238168968.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11813_32027a5f0b4.jpg) | |---| The Motoron M2T256 and M2U256 controllers make it easy to control two bidirectional, brushed DC [motors](https://core-electronics.com.au/components/motors/metal-gearmotors.html) using an I²C or TTL serial (UART) interface, respectively. These compact (0.6" × 0.8") boards operate from 4.5 V to 48 V and can deliver continuous output currents up to 1.8 A per motor. Multiple Motoron controllers can be configured to work on a single I²C or serial bus, allowing independent control of many motors. Unlike most of Pololu's [motor drivers](https://core-electronics.com.au/breakout-boards-and-modules/motor-drivers-controllers/brushed-dc-motor-drivers.html), the Motoron does not require any PWM outputs or timers on your microcontroller. Instead, only a single I²C or UART interface is needed regardless of how many Motorons you connect. These Motoron controllers are available in several versions with different combinations of communication interfaces and connector options: - M2**T**256 (I²C): - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t256-dual-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included but not soldered in](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t256-dual-ic-motor-controller.html) - M2**U**256 (TTL serial): - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u256-dual-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included but not soldered in](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u256-dual-serial-motor-controller.html) **Details for item #5065** | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11821_61109e24d2a.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11821_258691cc49f.png) | |---| | Typical wiring diagram for connecting a microcontroller to a Motoron M2T256 Dual I²C Motor Controller. | The **M2T256** has an **I²C** interface, and this version ships with a 1×16 [breakaway male header](https://core-electronics.com.au/0-100-2-54-mm-breakaway-male-header-1x40-pin-straight.html) included **but not soldered in**. | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11812_2434860c700.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11812_442649c8f19.jpg) \| \|---\| \| Motoron M2T256/M2U256 Dual Motor Controller with included headers. \| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11815_2733096e4aa.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11815_997633668c0.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| \| Motoron M2T256 Dual I²C Motor Controller, bottom view. \| | |---| **Features and specifications** - Two motor control channels allow for independent control of up to two bidirectional brushed DC motors per Motoron - Wide operating voltage range: 4.5 V to 48 V (absolute maximum) - Recommended maximum nominal battery voltage is approximately 36 V - Maximum output current per motor: 1.8 A continuous, 6.4 A peak for <1 second - Reverse-voltage protection on motor power supply (down to -40 V) - Logic voltage range: 3.0 V to 5.5 V - Control interface: - M2T256: I²C (up to 400 kHz) - M2U256: non-inverted TTL serial (up to 250 kbps) - 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 Arduino stops functioning - Configurable automatic error response - Motor power supply (VIN) voltage measurement - Two status LEDs - Motor direction indicator LEDs - Error output for easier detection of error conditions - [Motoron Arduino library](https://github.com/pololu/motoron-arduino) simplifies getting started using the Motoron with an Arduino or compatible controller - Comprehensive user’s guide | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11818_778252542df.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11818_4644336cc56.jpg) | |---| | A Raspberry Pi Pico on a breadboard using a Motoron M2T256/M2U256 Dual Motor Controller to control two motors. | **The Motoron family** The tables below list the members of the Motoron family and show the key differences among them. Each type is available in several versions to provide different options for the through-hole connectors: they can be purchased as an assembled product with connectors soldered in, as a kit with connectors included but not soldered in, or (for Arduino and Raspberry Pi expansions) as a standalone board without connectors. | **Motoron motor controllers** micro versions | |---| | | | | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11817_185546b941.jpg) M2T256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t256-dual-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11817_185546b941.jpg) M2U256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u256-dual-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) | | Control interface: | I²C | UART serial | | Motor channels: | 2 (dual) | | Absolute max input voltage: | 48 V | | Recommended max nominal battery voltage: | 36 V | | Max continuous current per channel: | 1.8 A | | Available versions: | - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t256-dual-ic-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2t256-dual-ic-motor-controller.html) | - [headers soldered](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u256-dual-serial-motor-controller-header-pins-soldered.html) - [headers included](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2u256-dual-serial-motor-controller.html) | | **Motoron motor controllers** Arduino and Raspberry Pi form factor versions | |---| | | | | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11626_2962be2656.jpg) M3S256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11674_3209e6efee.jpg) M3H256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11709_53087bff09.jpg) M2S24v14](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11749_5640c9f7f0.jpg) M2H24v14](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11724_5067aba0d8.jpg) M2S24v16](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11751_5485f2f3d2.jpg) M2H24v16](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11708_5157f41dc0.jpg) M2S18v18](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11748_5610a25f07.jpg) M2H18v18](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11723_513556771e.jpg) M2S18v20](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11750_53354ff59d.jpg) M2H18v20](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) | | Control interface: | I²C | | Motor channels: | 3 (triple) | 2 (dual) | | Absolute max input voltage: | 48 V | 40 V | 30 V | | Recommended 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**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/catalog/product/view/sku/POLOLU-5032) | **M2S24v14**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-no-connectors.html) | **M2S24v16**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-no-connectors.html) | **M2S18v18**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-no-connectors.html) | **M2S18v20**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2s18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-no-connectors.html) | | Available versions for Raspberry Pi: | **M3H256**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **M2H24v14**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v14-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **M2H24v16**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h24v16-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **M2H18v18**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v18-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **M2H18v20**- [assembled](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-connectors-soldered.html) - [kit](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) - [board only](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m2h18v20-dual-high-power-motor-controller-for-raspberry-pi-no-connectors-or-standoffs.html) | **Dimensions** | Size: | 0.6" x 0.8" | |---|---| | Weight: | 1.5 g[1](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note1) | **General specifications** | Channels: | 2 | |---|---| | Model: | Motoron M2T256 | | Control interface: | I²C | | Minimum operating voltage: | 4.5 V | | Maximum operating voltage: | 48 V[2](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note2) | | Continuous output current per channel: | 1.8 A | | Peak output current per channel: | 6.4 A | | Reverse voltage protection?: | Y[3](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note3) | | Header pins soldered?: | N | **Identifying markings** | PCB dev codes: | mc2u42a | |---|---| | Other PCB markings: | 0J13891 | **Notes:** 1Without included optional headers2Absolute maximum; higher voltages can permanently destroy the motor drivers. Recommended maximum nominal battery voltage is approximately 36 V, which leaves a safety margin for ripple voltage on the supply line.3Note: Reverse voltage protection only works up to 40 V. **Documentation and other information** - ![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11628_582262abc3.jpg)**Pololu Motoron Motor Controller User’s Guide** User’s manual for the Pololu Motoron Motor Controllers. **File downloads** - **[Dimension diagram of the Motoron M2x256 Dual Motor Controller](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/motoron-m2x256-dual-motor-controller-dimensions_32210b0b27d.pdf) (322k pdf)** - **3D model of the Motoron M2x256 Dual Motor Controller (7MB step)** - **Drill guide for the Motoron M2x256 Dual Motor Controller (16k dxf)** This DXF drawing shows the locations of all of the board’s holes. **Recommended links** - **[Motoron Motor Controller library for Arduino](https://github.com/pololu/motoron-arduino)** - **[Motoron Motor Controller Python library for Raspberry Pi](https://github.com/pololu/motoron-rpi)** ## Images - [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/P/O/POLOLU-5065-1.jpg)