h-bridge motor controller
project description
In my electromechanical systems and robotics class I was tasked with designing an H-Bridge motor controller circuit using KiCad. It needed to be able to handle 12V and 5A continuously without melting, accept power input from a 12V barrel jack or a screw terminal, and be controlled by three pins by an Arduino.
I had some experience in KiCad from my Breadboard Power Supply project, so I felt comfortable designing the circuit after I drew up my schematic. The H-Bridge uses 4 MOSFETs, and 2 BJTs. It is extensively labeled, to help ensure a speedy assembly. The current-carrying traces are wide enough to handle 12V at 5A with a factor of safety.
I was able to convince a friend to pay for the price of the circuit boards if I made them shaped like rockets. The final product is a functional, well labeled, and fun-looking H-Bridge motor controller!
The schematic of the PCB includes 4 MOSFETs (2 N-Channel, 2 P-Channel), 2 BJTs, a status LED, a barrel jack, and a screw terminal input.
The PCB was generously provided by Jeremy K. Thanks Jeremy!
The layout of the board was difficult to organize, because I had to incorporate the wide traces to ensure proper thermal performance.
The H-Bridge can be controlled by two signal wires and a ground wire. Here it is being used by an Arduino to control a gearmotor.