Overview
Cytron MDS160A SmartDrive DC Motor Driver is a heavy-duty motor driver for one brushed DC motor, built for high-current applications that need reliable bi-directional control. With an 8V to 28V motor supply range, 160A continuous current, and up to 190A peak for 1 minute, it is a strong fit for conveyors, AGVs, mobile robots, and combat robot platforms.
The board uses full solid-state MOSFET switching at 16 KHz for quieter motor operation, while the onboard controller adds practical protection and control features for real-world use. Input mode is selected by DIP switches, with support for RC, analog, PWM + DIR, and UART control. PWM/DIR control is compatible with 3.3V and 5V logic, making integration easier with controllers such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi.
Useful built-in features include regenerative braking, thermal protection, temperature-based current limiting, LiPo low-voltage warning, and onboard push buttons for fast testing and manual operation. Two units can also be used together for differential-drive robots. Important: the motor supply input has no reverse polarity protection, and this driver requires suitably heavy cabling for high-current operation.
Specification
Technical details for Cytron MDS160A SmartDrive DC Motor Driver 160A, 8V-28V.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Motor Type | 1 brushed DC motor, bi-directional control |
| Input Voltage | 8V to 28V |
| Continuous Current | 160A |
| Peak Current | 190A peak (1 minute) |
| Short-Term Current | 175A (2 minutes) |
| Switching Frequency | 16 KHz |
| Switching Design | Full solid-state MOSFET switching |
| Logic Input High | 3V to 5.5V |
| Logic Input Low | 0V to 0.5V |
| 5V Output Current | Up to 1A |
| Control Modes | RC, Analog, PWM + DIR, Simplified Serial, Packetized Serial |
| Features | Regenerative braking, thermal protection, LiPo low-voltage warning, onboard push buttons |
| Dimensions | 122mm x 178mm x 75mm |
| Thermal Current Limit Below 60°C | 194A |
| Thermal Current Limit 60°C to 70°C | 175A |
| Thermal Current Limit 70°C to 80°C | 163A |
| Thermal Current Limit 80°C to 90°C | 144A |
| Thermal Current Limit 90°C to 100°C | 125A |
| Thermal Current Limit 100°C to 110°C | 100A |
| Thermal Current Limit Above 110°C | 50A |
Connections
| Interface | Details |
|---|---|
| Positive Supply Terminal | Connect to the positive motor power supply. |
| Negative Supply Terminal | Connect to the negative motor power supply. |
| Motor Terminal A | Connect to one motor lead. Swap with Motor Terminal B if direction is reversed. |
| Motor Terminal B | Connect to the other motor lead. Swap with Motor Terminal A if direction is reversed. |
| Input Pin 1 | IN2 - Input channel 2. |
| Input Pin 2 | IN1 - Input channel 1. |
| Input Pin 3 | +5V - 5V output. Do not connect to another 5V source. |
| Input Pin 4 | GND - Ground. |
| DIP Switches | Select the operating and input mode. Mode changes are read at power-up. |
| Push Buttons | Onboard test buttons allow fast manual motor operation. |
| Status LEDs | LED A, LED B, LED OC, LED ERR, LED STAT, and LED PWR provide operating and fault indication. |
| On/Off Switch | Alternative way to turn off motor power without disconnecting the power cable. |
Wiring note: this is a very high-current driver, so normal wire is not suitable for heavy-load operation. The supplier recommends using the thickest practical cable for both motor supply and motor terminals, and notes using 2 to 3 pieces of 8AWG cable per terminal in high-current setups.
Power note: if using a power supply that cannot sink regenerative current, connect a battery of the same voltage in parallel to absorb returned energy during deceleration.
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