BTS7960 43A High-Power H-Bridge DC Motor Driver Module

The BTS7960 Motor Driver Module, commonly known as the IBT-2, is a high-power H-bridge driver designed for controlling brushed DC motors requiring higher current than standard motor-driver boards can provide.

Using two BTS7960 high-current half-bridge driver ICs, the module provides bidirectional motor control, PWM speed control and electronic braking, making it suitable for robotics, linear actuators, automation systems and other high-power DC motor applications.

Technical Specifications

• Driver IC: 2 × BTS7960
• Driver Type: Full H-Bridge
• Motor Type: Brushed DC Motor
• Motor Supply Voltage: 5.5–27.5V DC
• Common Recommended Applications: 6V, 12V & 24V DC Motors
• Advertised / Typical Current Limit: Approx. 43A
• PWM Frequency: Up to 25kHz
• Control Interface: Logic-Level PWM
• Direction Control: Bidirectional
• Speed Control: PWM
• Braking: Supported
• Current Sense Outputs: Yes
• Overcurrent Protection: Yes
• Short-Circuit Protection: Yes
• Overtemperature Protection: Yes
• Undervoltage Protection: Yes
• Overvoltage Protection: Yes
• Heatsink: Integrated on Common IBT-2 Modules

High-Power H-Bridge Control

The module uses two BTS7960 half-bridge ICs to create a complete H-bridge.

This allows a brushed DC motor to rotate in both directions without mechanically reversing the motor wires.

The controller can therefore provide:

• Forward Rotation
• Reverse Rotation
• Variable Speed Control
• Electronic Braking

PWM Speed Control

Motor speed can be controlled using PWM signals from a compatible microcontroller.

The BTS7960 supports PWM operation up to approximately 25kHz, allowing smooth motor-speed control while keeping switching frequencies above the audible range in many applications.

Control Connections

Common IBT-2 BTS7960 modules provide the following control connections:

• RPWM – Right / Forward PWM Input
• LPWM – Left / Reverse PWM Input
• R_EN – Right-Side Enable
• L_EN – Left-Side Enable
• R_IS – Right-Side Current Sense / Diagnostic Output
• L_IS – Left-Side Current Sense / Diagnostic Output
• VCC – Logic Supply
• GND – Logic Ground

Exact board labeling should always be checked before wiring.

Arduino & Microcontroller Compatible

The BTS7960 module can be controlled by many development platforms, including:

• Arduino Uno
• Arduino Mega
• Arduino Nano
• ESP32
• STM32
• Raspberry Pi Pico
• PIC / AVR Microcontrollers
• Other PWM-Capable Controllers

The microcontroller provides only the control signals. The motor must be powered from a suitable external high-current power supply or battery.

Motor Connections

The high-current terminals are typically used for:

B+ / B− – Motor Power Supply

M+ / M− – Brushed DC Motor

Always verify the labels printed on the supplied board before connecting power.

Protection Features

The BTS7960 includes several integrated protection functions:

• Overcurrent Protection
• Short-Circuit Protection
• Overtemperature Shutdown
• Undervoltage Shutdown
• Overvoltage Lockout

These functions help protect the driver, but they do not replace proper wiring, fusing, cooling or power-supply design.

Current Sense & Diagnostics

The BTS7960 provides current-sense / diagnostic outputs that can be monitored by a microcontroller.

On typical IBT-2 modules these are exposed as:

R_IS

L_IS

They can be useful for motor-current monitoring, overload detection and diagnostic functions when implemented correctly in the control system.

Applications

Ideal for:

• High-Power Brushed DC Motors
• Robotics
• Robot Drive Systems
• Linear Actuators
• Motorized Platforms
• Automation Projects
• Arduino Motor Control
• ESP32 Motor Control
• Electric Actuators
• DIY Machinery

Educational Motor-Control Projects

Important Current Rating Note

The BTS7960 is commonly marketed as a 43A motor driver, but this figure should not be interpreted as a guaranteed 43A continuous operating current for the complete module.

Actual continuous motor current depends strongly on:

• Cooling
• Heatsink Performance
• Airflow
• Ambient Temperature
• PCB Quality
• Terminal & Wire Size
• Supply Voltage
• Motor Starting / Stall Current

For high-current applications, provide adequate cooling and use appropriately sized wiring, connectors and circuit protection.

Important Motor Compatibility Note

The BTS7960 / IBT-2 is primarily intended for brushed DC motor control.

It should not be used directly to control:

• 3-Phase Brushless BLDC Motors
• Drone Motors
• Stepper Motors

A BLDC motor requires an appropriate brushless ESC or 3-phase motor driver, while a stepper motor requires a dedicated stepper driver.

Safety & Installation

High-current DC motors can draw very large currents during startup or when stalled.

For reliable operation:

• Use an appropriately rated external power supply.
• Use sufficiently thick motor and power wiring.
• Keep high-current connections short and secure.
• Add an appropriately rated fuse where required.
• Provide additional cooling for high-current continuous operation.
• Never connect or disconnect the motor while the system is powered.
• Ensure the controller and motor share the required common ground.

Package Includes

1 × BTS7960 / IBT-2 High-Power H-Bridge DC Motor Driver Module