From the course: Learning Arduino: Pulse Width Modulation

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Controlling DC motor speed with an analog input and transistor

Controlling DC motor speed with an analog input and transistor - Arduino Tutorial

From the course: Learning Arduino: Pulse Width Modulation

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Controlling DC motor speed with an analog input and transistor

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- Powering a DC motor takes a few extra components. When you're powering a DC motor and then cut that power, the motor creates a voltage spike in the opposite direction. This power burst can go back into your Arduino and cause damage. Also, most DC motors require more than the five-volt signal Arduino can provide. To provide the appropriate voltage, I need to use a transistor in the circuit. The transistor acts as a bridge between the low-level, five-volt Arduino circuit and a higher voltage circuit the motor is connected to. As power is applied to the transistor, a gate is open on the high-voltage circuit. When power is cut, the gate closes and the motor stops. The more open the gate is, the more power flows to the motor. I will use the transistor that came with my kit. Here, the transistor has three leads. I will add it to the breadboard with the front facing away from the Arduino. The front is the side with the numbers printed on it. The black wire of the motor goes to the middle…

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