Introduction: Simplest PWM Motor Control Circuit Using Op Amp
Hello People!
This instructable is about how to build the simplest(probably) PWM circuit to control DC Motor speed, LED Strip Brightness, etc.
Specs:
Input Voltage : 5-30v
Current Handling : Depends on the MOSFET(Around 10A for IRFZ44)
Please comment if you tried building it!
9 Comments
3 years ago
i could be wrong but shouldn't there be a diode hooked across that motor to protect the MOSFET from back EMF? I realize this is a old post that i came across and doubt ill get a reply but if anyone new to electronics is going to build this i am 98% sure (i am not an expert on this) that you need to hook up a diode across the dc motor. look up snubber diode. when current is stopped the windings in in the motor have built up energy that becomes a voltage spike going backwards through the circuit which can damage (in this case) the MOSFET.
Reply 3 years ago
it depends upon which load you are using e.g if your load acts like a inductor (stores energy) then yes you need to have a protecting diode
Reply 2 years ago
I thought the diode was there because of the relay coil when closing has a magnetic field that collapses and sends out a spike of energy which travels backwards and can damage the mosfet. I wanted to look at the circuit again but its not available to me. i didnt know you could make instructables private. why make a instructable and only share it with a few people. knowledge should be shared with everybody that wants to learn.
3 years ago
Nice circuit
5 years ago
Clever circuit. I also like the use of the bottle cap as a control knob.
5 years ago
What advantages does this circuit posses over the more popular 555 PWM designs?
Reply 5 years ago
Here are two
One advantage might be higher operating voltage and other might be that two individual controllers can be designed using a single IC
Reply 5 years ago
Both are excellent reasons, thanks for the reply!
5 years ago
Nice basic control circuit design.