# Motoron M3S256 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino (Connectors Soldered)

**Type:** Product page · **SKU:** POLOLU-5030 · **Brand:** [Pololu](https://core-electronics.com.au/brands/pololu-australia)
**Page:** https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html ([markdown](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html.md))

The Motoron M3S256 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino makes it easy to control DC motors from an Arduino or Arduino-compatible board through an...

## Pricing

- **Price:** $75.85 (inc GST) — $68.95 AUD, exc GST
- **Quantity discounts:** 6+ $66.20 (exc GST) · 12+ $64.13 (exc GST)

## Availability & dispatch

- Available with a lead time — expect dispatch between Aug 25 and Aug 28.

## Description

The Motoron M3S256 shield makes it easy to control up to three bidirectional, brushed DC [motors](https://core-electronics.com.au/components/motors/metal-gearmotors.html) with an [Arduino](https://core-electronics.com.au/arduino-uno-r3-10900.html) or compatible board, such as the [A-Star 32U4 Prime](https://core-electronics.com.au/search/?q=a-star+32u4+prime). It operates from 4.5 V to 48 V and can deliver continuous output currents up to 2 A per motor. Multiple Motoron controllers can be stacked on top of each other, 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) and motor driver [shields](https://core-electronics.com.au/category/113/shields-for-arduino), the Motoron does not require any PWM outputs or timers on your Arduino. Instead, the Arduino communicates with the Motoron using I²C, so only two I/O lines are needed regardless of how many Motorons you connect.

 | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11635_548390cd394.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11635_11903604159.png) |
|---|

Three M3S256 versions are available to provide different options for the through-hole connectors:

- [Motoron M3S256 with soldered stackable headers and terminal blocks](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-connectors-soldered.html)
- [Motoron M3S256 with headers and terminal blocks included but not soldered in](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-kit-for-arduino.html)
- [Motoron M3S256 without any headers or terminal blocks included](https://core-electronics.com.au/catalog/product/view/sku/POLOLU-5032)
 
For applications using a Raspberry Pi, consider the [Motoron M3H256](https://core-electronics.com.au/motoron-m3h256-triple-motor-controller-kit-for-raspberry-pi.html) instead (also available with different connector options).

 **Details for item #5030**

 | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11624-300_280863a9edc.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11624-1200_5350261a292.jpg) \| \|---\| \| Motoron M3S256 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino (Connectors Soldered). \| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11627_218538efa7e.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11627_16437b29078.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| \| Motoron M3S256 shield being controlled by an Arduino Uno. \| | \| [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11628_32934f8206e.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11628_25672e9e0b0.jpg) \| \|---\|---\| \| Three Motoron M3S256 shields being controlled by an Arduino Uno. \| |
|---|

This version of the Motoron M3S256 ships **with soldered stackable headers and terminal blocks**.

 | [![](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11638_449861b3747.jpg)](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/0J11638_1587022b120.png) |
|---|
| Motoron M3S256 Triple Motor Controller Shield 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 Arduino stops functioning
- Configurable automatic error response
- Motor power supply (VIN) voltage measurement
- Optional pins make it easy to power the Arduino from reverse-protected motor power, either directly or through an [external regulator](https://core-electronics.com.au/components/voltage-regulators.html) (not included)
- Two status LEDs
- Motor direction indicator LEDs
- [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
 
**Dimensions**

 | Size: | 1.3" × 2.02" |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 13 g |

**General specifications**

 | Channels: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Model: | Motoron M3S256 |
| Control interface: | I²C |
| Minimum operating voltage: | 4.5 V |
| Maximum operating voltage: | 48 V[1](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note1) |
| Continuous output current per channel: | 2.0 A |
| Peak output current per channel: | 6.4 A |
| Reverse voltage protection?: | Y[2](https://core-electronics.com.au/#note2) |
| Connectors soldered?: | Y |

**Identifying markings**

 | PCB dev codes: | mc3s42a |
|---|---|
| Other PCB markings: | 0J13556 |

**Notes:**

1Not recommended for use with 48V batteries.2Note: 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 ([Printable PDF](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/motoron_10225fc9a94.pdf))**
    
    User’s manual for the Pololu Motoron Motor Controllers.
 
**File downloads**

- **[Dimension diagram of the Motoron M3S256 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino](https://core-electronics.com.au/attachments/localcontent/motoron-m3s256-triple-motor-controller-shield-for-arduino-dimensions_332258154c5.pdf) (332k pdf)**
- **3D model of the Motoron M3S256 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino (12MB step)**
- **Drill guide for the Motoron M3S256 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino (83k 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)**

## Images

- [Product image 1](https://core-electronics.com.au/media/catalog/product/P/O/POLOLU-5030-1.jpg)