3
\$\begingroup\$

UPDATE I found out the issue. Specifically, the PNP transistor I got. I used a BC557 - for some reason its collector-emitter current is very very low. It does open when the base-emitter junction goes right. But there's practically no current going through it. I tested it for all 20 of them, even unused ones. Same issue. Is this a problem with my transistor choice or a bad batch?

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

This is a circuit i'm using to make a controllable H-Bridge.

Since the diagram's a little messy, I'll explain a bit. SW1 (which is actually a bunch of transistors, but it's on a separate circuit so I've simplified it to a switch) should change which direction the motor goes in.

If we consider the "up" position only, Q1 and Q2 should switch on due to the higher potential - Q2 should connect Q3's base to the positive rail, and Q1 should connect Q4's base to ground. This will allow current to flow from the positive rail through the PNP Q4 into the motor's "OUT" terminal, run the motor, then flow out into Q3 and towards ground. Mirror process for the opposite side.

The problem is that this doesn't work. There's a minute voltage across the motor (~0.02V). The batteries are definitely running since voltage across them drops to about 2.6V. The only other evidence of it running is that Q3 heats up a lot after a while. I think other transistors might be, but I'm afraid I only noticed Q3 doing so.

Personally I think it's something to do with some transistors not switching on, or some transistors switching on when they shouldn't. Any ideas?

\$\endgroup\$
5
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ No base resistors? \$\endgroup\$
    – Passerby
    Commented Jul 20, 2013 at 22:14
  • \$\begingroup\$ Oh that's a good point, forgot to put those in (the actual circuit, not just the schematic). But would that make the difference between working and not working? \$\endgroup\$
    – Alex Freeman
    Commented Jul 20, 2013 at 22:26
  • \$\begingroup\$ Totally. You might have fried a transistor or two as is. Depending on the motor and current it uses, you might need feedback diodes as well. And pull-down resistors after the switch, because otherwise the inputs to q1/q2 or q5/q6 are left floating, instead of solidly pulled down. \$\endgroup\$
    – Passerby
    Commented Jul 20, 2013 at 22:34
  • \$\begingroup\$ Your schematic is "upside down" with the power rail at the bottom and a floating ground icon. \$\endgroup\$
    – pjc50
    Commented Jul 22, 2013 at 8:36
  • \$\begingroup\$ Yeah that was my bad. Still, the schematic works. I found out the issue btw. Specifically, the PNP transistor I got. I used a BC557 - for some reason its collector-emitter current is very very low. It does open when the base-emitter junction goes right. But there's practically no current going through it. I tested it for all 20 of them, even unused ones. Same issue. Is this a problem with my transistor choice or a bad batch? \$\endgroup\$
    – Alex Freeman
    Commented Jul 22, 2013 at 16:20

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

This doesn't answer your question directly, as it's providing an alternative to your DIY circuit, but if you want a decent controllable H-Bridge, try the TI L293D.

You get four half-bridges, and it has built-in clamping diodes to save your circuits from frying due to counter-EMF when the motor is shut down. While it says it requires 5V logic levels, I can still use a Raspberry PI, Microchip PIC32, or Arduino via 3.3V lines to control it for managing a large array of stepper motors.

References

  1. L293, L293D; QUADRUPLE HALF-H DRIVERS, Accessed 2014-06-19, <http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/l293d.pdf>
\$\endgroup\$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.