MX1919: A Comprehensive Guide to Dual H-Bridge DC Motor Driver

Circuit Digest
3 min readMay 9, 2024
MX1919

The MX1919 is a cost-effective MOSFET-based dual H-bridge DC motor driver designed for driving two DC motors bidirectionally. It offers a peak current delivery of up to 3.5A and continuous current of 1.6A per channel, with an option for 2.3A continuous current when only one channel is active. This versatile motor driver features four inputs for controlling the direction of the motors and operates within a power supply range of 2–10V. Additionally, the MX1919 includes a thermal shutdown feature, making it suitable for various applications, especially in hobby robotics and toy products.

Working Principle

The MX1919 utilizes a dual H-bridge configuration to control the direction and speed of two DC motors. Each H-bridge consists of a set of MOSFETs responsible for switching the motor’s direction and regulating its speed. By controlling the logic inputs (INA1, INB1, INA2, INB2) of the MX1919, users can determine the desired motor direction (forward, reverse, or standby) according to the provided truth table.

Design Considerations

  • Power Supply: Ensure the power supply voltage falls within the specified range (2–10V) to prevent damage to the MX1919.
  • Decoupling Capacitors: Adding decoupling capacitors between VDD1, VDD2, and ground helps stabilize the power supply voltage and absorb energy released by the motors.
  • PCB Layout: Implement proper grounding techniques, sufficient current-carrying capacity for tracks, and keep signal tracks short and direct to minimize noise and interference.
MX1919 Circuit Diagram

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Resetting Circuit: Check for voltage spikes or overloading conditions that may cause the circuit to reset upon power-up.
  • Non-functional IC: Verify all connections and ensure the motor’s voltage and current ratings align with the MX1919 specifications.
  • Overheating: Address potential causes of overheating, such as overloading, voltage spikes, or poor heat dissipation, to prevent automatic shutdown.
  • Jerky Motor Movement: Match the motor’s voltage and current ratings with the MX1919 parameters and add a 0.1uF capacitor parallel to the motor pins to reduce noise.

For Arduino interfacing, utilize four GPIO pins to control the MX1919 inputs and refer to the provided truth table for motor control.

Applications

The MX1919 finds applications in various fields, including robotics, printers, motorized vehicles, toys, solar tracking systems, and DIY projects. Alternatives to MX1919 include L293D, L298, TB6612FNG, DRV8833, MAX1508, TA6586, DRV8871, and L9110.

The MX1919 dual H-bridge DC motor driver offers a cost-effective solution for driving DC motors bidirectionally in diverse applications. Understanding its working principle, design considerations, and troubleshooting tips ensures optimal performance and reliability in your projects.

For detailed technical specifications and mechanical drawings, refer to the MX1919 datasheet available here.

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