From the course: Learning Arduino: Pulse Width Modulation

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Comparing DC motors, servos, and stepper motors

Comparing DC motors, servos, and stepper motors - Arduino Tutorial

From the course: Learning Arduino: Pulse Width Modulation

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Comparing DC motors, servos, and stepper motors

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- When it comes to making things move, there are three solutions most makers turn to, DC motors, Servos, and Stepper motors. DC motors have two leads. One for power and the other for ground. The speed of the motor can be controlled with a pulse width modulated signal. When a DC motor is connected to an appropriate power supply, it turns the driveshaft. When the leads are connected in reverse, the motor runs in reverse. Some motors require more power to operate than the Arduino can provide. To run a more powerful DC motor, you may need to use a transistor. Transistors act as a bridge between the low power signal of the Arduino, and the higher powered signal used to turn the motor. Transistors listen for a signal from the Arduino, and when the signal is output the transistor completes the high power circuit to power the motor. An H bridge is type of integrated circuit that allows for the signal to be applied in both directions. An H bridge listens for multiple signals, and depending on…

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