Motoron M3S256 Triple Motor Controller Shield Kit for Arduino

SKU: POLOLU-5031 Brand: Pololu

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...

$82.90 AUD, inc GST

$75.36 AUD, exc GST

Available with a lead time
Expect dispatch between Apr 29 and May 02

Quantity Discounts:

6+ $72.35 (exc GST)
12+ $70.09 (exc GST)

The Motoron M3S256 shield makes it easy to control up to three bidirectional, brushed DC motors with an Arduino or compatible board, such as the 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 and motor driver shields, 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.

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

For applications using a Raspberry Pi, consider the Motoron M3H256 instead (also available with different connector options).

Details for item #5031

Motoron M3S256 Triple Motor Controller Shield Kit for Arduino.

This version of the Motoron is a kit that ships with the following connectors included but not soldered in:

One 1×10 stackable female header
One 1×8 stackable female header
Four 2-pin 3.5mm terminal blocks
Four 2-pin 5mm screw terminal blocks
One 1×25 breakaway male header (you can cut or break this into smaller header strips to install as desired)

There are more parts included than can be soldered to the board, providing different assembly options to suit a variety of applications. Additional connector options are available separately, and you can also solder wires directly to the board for more compact installations.

Note: For applications where the Motoron will be used as a standalone board or at the top of a shield stack, it can be assembled with the included 0.1" male header pins and larger (5.0mm-pitch) blue terminal blocks. For applications where the Motoron will be one of the intermediate members of a stack of shields, Pololu recommend assembling it with the stackable headers and smaller (3.5mm-pitch) green terminal blocks (just like Pololu's version with connectors already soldered). The terminal blocks are intended to be soldered to the larger through-holes for the power and motor connections, and the blue ones should get locked together prior to installation (see Pololu's short video on terminal block installation).

A Raspberry Pi Pico on a breadboard using a Motoron M3S256 shield to control three motors.

Motoron M3S256 shield being controlled by an Arduino Uno.

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 (not included)
Two status LEDs
Motor direction indicator LEDs
Motoron Arduino library simplifies getting started using the Motoron with an Arduino or compatible controller
Comprehensive user’s guide

Dimensions

Size:	1.3" × 2.02"
Weight:	7.5 g¹

General specifications

Channels:	3
Model:	Motoron M3S256
Control interface:	I²C
Minimum operating voltage:	4.5 V
Maximum operating voltage:	48 V²
Continuous output current per channel:	2.0 A
Peak output current per channel:	6.4 A
Reverse voltage protection?:	Y³
Connectors soldered?:	N

Identifying markings

PCB dev codes:	mc3s42a
Other PCB markings:	0J13556

Notes:

1: PCB assembly only, without optional included headers and terminal blocks.
2: Not recommended for use with 48V batteries.
3: Note: Reverse voltage protection only works up to 40 V.

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 M3S256 Triple Motor Controller Shield for Arduino (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

Product Comments

Start the conversation

Exact shipping can be calculated on the view cart page (no login required).

Products that weigh more than 0.5 KG may cost more than what's shown (for example, test equipment, machines, >500mL liquids, etc).

We deliver Australia-wide with these options (depends on the final destination - you can get a quote on the view cart page):

$3+ for Stamped Mail (typically 10+ business days, not tracked, only available on selected small items)
$7+ for Standard Post (typically 6+ business days, tracked)
$11+ for Express Post (typically 2+ business days, tracked)
Pickup - Free! Only available to customers who live in the Newcastle region (must order online and only pickup after we email to notify you the order is ready). Orders placed after 2PM may not be ready until the following business day.

Non-metro addresses in WA, NT, SA & TAS can take 2+ days in addition to the above information.

Some batteries (such as LiPo) can't be shipped by Air. During checkout, Express Post and International Methods will not be an option if you have that type of battery in your shopping cart.

International Orders - the following rates are for New Zealand and will vary for other countries:

$12+ for Pack and Track (3+ days, tracked)
$16+ for Express International (2-5 days, tracked)

If you order lots of gear, the postage amount will increase based on the weight of your order.

Our physical address (here's a PDF which includes other key business details):

Unit 18, 132 Garden Grove Parade
Adamstown
NSW, 2289
Australia

Take a look at our customer service page if you have other questions such as "do we do purchase orders" (yes!) or "are prices GST inclusive" (yes they are!). We're here to help - get in touch with us to talk shop.

Have a product question? We're here to help!