Understanding DriveCell Circuitry

When working with small electronics projects that involve motors or actuators, controlling speed and direction can be a challenge. This is where DriveCell steps in. Packed into a fingertip-sized module, DriveCell simplifies motor control by utilizing a tiny H-Bridge chip, the DRV8837, making it an ideal solution for robotics, actuators, and even LED control. In this post, we’ll dive into the circuitry behind DriveCell and how it works.

The Heart of DriveCell: DRV8837 H-Bridge

At the core of DriveCell is the DRV8837 chip, an H-Bridge driver designed to handle low-power DC motors and actuators. An H-Bridge is a circuit configuration composed of four transistors arranged in an "H" shape, allowing for bidirectional control of a motor by reversing the current flow. The DRV8837 integrates this functionality into a compact form, offering:

• Motor Speed & Direction Control via two input pins
• PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Support for fine-tuned control
• Overcurrent Protection, Undervoltage Lockout, and Thermal Shutdown for safety
• Maximum continuous output current of 1.8A, making it suitable for powering small but powerful dc motors or for powering multiple in parallel actuators like the CoilPad

Although the DRV8837 simplifies motor control, the DriveCell module takes it a step further by providing an easy-to-use software library that abstracts complex programming, making motor control accessible even to beginners.

Understanding DriveCell's Pinout & Functionality

The DriveCell module operates based on the state of its two input pins (IN1 and IN2) to control current flow through its output pins: 

• Forward Current: IN1 = VCC/PWM, IN2 = GND → Motor spins forward
• Reverse Current: IN1 = GND, IN2 = VCC/PWM → Motor spins in reverse
• Off State: IN1 = GND, IN2 = GND → Motor stops

For added clarity, an onboard LED provides visual feedback, indicating the direction of the output.

Why Choose DriveCell?

DriveCell is designed to be compact, efficient, and easy to integrate into various projects. Here’s why it stands out:

• Ultra-compact size – about the size of a fingertip
• Castellated pins for easy soldering and integration into custom PCBs
• Seamless compatibility with Arduino, CodeCell, and other microcontrollers
• No need for complex H-Bridge configurations – just a simple function call

Getting Started with DriveCell

To start using DriveCell, follow these steps:

1. Wiring DriveCell to Your Circuit

Solder the output pins to your motor or actuator and the input/power pins to your microcontroller. The input pins determine the state of the output pins:

• Setting IN1 high makes OUT1 high

• Setting IN2 high makes OUT2 high
• Typically, IN1 and IN2 are set in opposite polarities to allow current to flow through the motor

The VCC must be connected to a maximum supply voltage of 5V. 

2. Coding with the DriveCell Library

While wiring one of the input pins to VCC will instantly activate DriveCell, we recommend using the DriveCell Library for automatic control. This library makes DriveCell highly flexible and programmable.

Steps to Install the Library:

1. Open Arduino IDE
   
2. Go to Library Manager and search for “DriveCell”
3. Click Install
4. Load the example sketches to start experimenting!

3. Keeping things tiny

Use our CodeCell module which is designed to be pin-to-pin compatible with DriveCell. With CodeCell, you can add wireless control and interactive sensing, unlocking new possibilities for your projects.

Conclusion

DriveCell simplifies the complexities of motor control with a compact design. Whether you’re building a tiny robot or a magnetic actuator, DriveCell provides an easy way to get started.

Check out the DriveCell Schematics here to explore its circuit design in detail and start integrating it into your next project!

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