I want to reproduce the project of the author of the How To Mechatronics channel, namely the DIY Mars Perseverance Rover. I'd like to modify its electronics and transition it from Arduino to ESP32. In the original project, a DRV8871 driver is used to control DC motors (operating voltage 12V, rated current 1A, stall current 3A). However, I want to consider an option using PCA9685 and L298N. But I'm unsure if the driver can handle a motor of this kind. Additionally, I'm considering alternatives involving PCA9685 and DRV8871 to optimize the microcontroller's port utilization. Unfortunately, I haven't come across any examples of such combinations, which leaves me uncertain about their feasibility. I would appreciate hearing the thoughts of those who have experience with similar solutions or situations.
That ancient bipolar driver chip is not recommended for battery operated projects. I've been told that the Adafruit pages show a number of more modern driver boards. Or search the Web for MOSFET motor drivers.
I second the warning about the L29x drivers. Their output drivers drop from 2V to over 4V of the motor power supply and waste the power as heat. Not at all efficient especially for battery power.
Pololu has a good line of high quality modern brushed DC motor drivers. Also Pololu has good prices, tech support and instructional pages for each of their products.
Thanks for the reply, I searched a bit and found the TB6612FNG which should be suitable, but I still have one open question, how well does the PCA9685 work with similar drivers and what problems can I face?
Thanks for the reply, I will look into that option
I see no problems with the control signals between all these components, provided they act at the same operating voltage.
Thanks for your help
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