Mx1616 Motor Driver Datasheet Info

| Feature | Mx1616 | A4988 | TMC2209 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Max Microsteps | 1/16 | 1/16 | 1/256 | | Max Current | 1.6A cont | 1.5A cont | 2.0A cont | | Voltage Range | 8-36V | 8-35V | 4.5-29V | | StealthChop2 (Silent) | No | No | Yes | | Heat at 1.2A | Warm (45°C) | Hot (65°C) | Cool (35°C) | | Cost | Low ($3-$5) | Very Low ($2) | Moderate ($6-$10) |

Conclusion: Choose Mx1616 when you need a step up from A4988 in thermal performance but do not require the silent, high-resolution features of TMC drivers.

The Mx1616 module usually comes with built-in decoupling capacitors. However, if your motors are noisy (causing the microcontroller to reset), check the datasheet recommendations for adding a large electrolytic capacitor (e.g., 100uF) across the VM and GND terminals near the driver. Mx1616 Motor Driver Datasheet

The MX1616 is a monolithic dual-channel H-bridge driver IC designed for DC motor control and inductive load driving. It is ideal for battery-operated toys, smart home actuators, micro-robotics, and low-voltage motion control systems.

The device features two independent H-bridges, allowing it to drive two DC motors (bidirectional) or one stepper motor (unipolar/bipolar). It operates with very low saturation voltage (V_DS(on)) and minimal standby current consumption. | Feature | Mx1616 | A4988 | TMC2209

MCU (3.3V/5V)         MX1616              Motor Supply (6V-12V)
    |                  |                         |
    |--- PWM1 -------> PWMA (11)                  |
    |--- IN1 --------> AIN1 (7)                   |
    |--- IN2 --------> AIN2 (15)                  |
    |--- STBY -------> STBY (6) ----[10k]--- VCC  |
    |                                             |
    |                 VCC (5) ----[0.1µF]--- GND  |
    |                 VM (1)  ----[100µF]--- PGND |
    |                                             |
    |                 AO1 (2) ----------- Motor A (+)|
    |                 AO2 (3) ----------- Motor A (-)|
    |                                             |
    GND ------------> GND (12) & PGND (4) ------- GND

Key passive components:

Dual DC Motor Control (5V-9V system):

                +5V (Logic)      +6V (Motor Power)
                     |                 |
                     +----[0.1µF]------+----[470µF]----+ VCC (Pin1)
                     |                                |
   MCU_PWM1 -----[1kΩ]----- IN1 (Pin2)                |
   MCU_PWM2 -----[1kΩ]----- IN2 (Pin3)                |
                                                      |
                                   [Motor A]         |
                                    +  -             |
                                    |   |            |
                                 OUT1  OUT2          |
                                 (Pin8) (Pin5)       |
                                                      |
   MCU_PWM3 -----[1kΩ]----- IN3 (Pin6)                |
   MCU_PWM4 -----[1kΩ]----- IN4 (Pin7)                |
                                    |   |            |
                                   [Motor B]         |
                                    +  -             |
                                                      |
                               GND (Pin4)------------+--- GND

Recommended external components:

| Parameter | Min | Typ | Max | Unit | |-------------------------------|-------|-------|-------|--------| | Motor Voltage (VCC) | 2.5 | 6.0 | 12.0 | V | | Logic Input Voltage (HIGH) | 2.2 | 3.3 | 5.5 | V | | Logic Input Voltage (LOW) | 0 | - | 0.8 | V | | PWM Frequency (recommended) | 0 | 20 | 100 | kHz | | Operating Ambient Temp | -20 | 25 | +85 | °C | The Mx1616 module usually comes with built-in decoupling

Do not rely on the "Peak Current" rating for your motor selection. If your motor draws 2A when stalled, the Mx1616 may overheat and trigger its internal thermal shutdown protection after a few seconds. Always size your driver based on the Continuous Current rating relative to your motor's load current.