DC Motor Speed and Direction Control

Controlling the speed and direction of a DC motor is essential in robotics, automation, and various electronic systems. This project demonstrates how to control a DC motor’s speed and direction using a microcontroller (like Arduino), an H-bridge motor driver (such as L298N or L293D), and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation).

⚙️ Working Principle

1. Speed Control using PWM:

   • PWM is a technique used to vary the average voltage supplied to the motor by switching it ON and OFF rapidly.

   • The higher the duty cycle (ON time), the faster the motor rotates.

   • Arduino can generate PWM signals using the analogWrite() function.

2. Direction Control using H-Bridge:

   • An H-bridge is an electronic circuit that allows voltage to be applied across a load in either direction.

   • It consists of 5 switches/transistors; by changing their states, the current flow through the motor can be reversed.

   • L298N and L293D motor drivers make this easy by providing input pins to control direction and enable pins for speed control.

     Typical Connections:

     • IN1 and IN2 control direction (e.g., IN1 HIGH & IN2 LOW = Forward)

     • ENA (Enable pin) controls speed using PWM

     • Arduino takes user input (e.g., from a potentiometer or buttons) and adjusts motor behavior accordingly

     💡 Applications:

     • Robotics (line follower, obstacle avoidance)

     • Conveyor belts

     • Smart home devices (curtains, fans)

     • Electric vehicles

     ✅ Advantages:

     • Precise control over motion

     • Easily programmable and scalable

     • Can be expanded for dual motors or remote control