Components
PWM Motor Control Basics for Makers
How pulse-width modulation controls speed for motors and LEDs.
· 3 min read
Key takeaways
- PWM switches power on and off rapidly.
- Duty cycle sets average power.
- Motors need a driver — never connect directly to the MCU.
What PWM is
By switching quickly, the average voltage is set by how long the signal is on.
Hardware timers
STM32 timers generate precise, jitter-free PWM on many channels.
Motor drivers
Use an H-bridge or ESC between the microcontroller and the motor.
Pro tip: Add a flyback diode or use a driver with built-in protection.
Frequently asked questions
Products mentioned in this article
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