MAXREFDES89#: ARDUINO Shield 4 DC Brush Motor Driver

Brushed DC motors provide cost-effective, convenient motion in many applications ranging from electric toothbrushes to vending machines. The simplicity and reliability of brushed DC motors also make them ideal for prototyping and hobbyist designs. Now, the MAXREFDES89# provides developers with a rapid prototyping and development platform for driving brushed DC motors.

The MAXREFDES89# is an mbed-compatible, Arduino form factor shield for the rapid production of brushed DC motor applications. The shield contains four MAX14871 full-bridge DC motor drivers, one MAX17501 DC-DC converter, four MAX4704 4:1 multiplexers, two MAX5387 digi pots and one MAX7300. Each MAX14871 provides the necessary functions to drive a brushed DC motor, while the additional parts allow for complete testing and operation in a variety of configurations.

The MAXREFDES89# is a tool for rapid development that offers optimal flexibility to the user during development of their application. In a final design, the only required silicon for driving a brushed DC motor and regulating the motor’s current is the MAX14871.