Why Arduino Cannot Drive a Motor Directly: MOSFETs for Beginners
Series navigation: Episode 1: The Roadmap · Episode 2: Digital Multimeter and LED Circuit · Episode 3: Voltage Divider Under Load · Episode 4: What an Oscilloscope Shows · Episode 5: How Arduino Reads Sensor Voltage · Episode 6 What you will learn: Why a GPIO pin can send a command but should not supply a motor's power. What problem it solves: A motor may fail to start, reset the board, overheat an output pin, or damage the controller when connected directly. What you will be able to do: Explain a low-side N-channel MOSFET circuit, choose parts from their important ratings, and identify where motor current flows when switching on and off. AI-generated instructional image of a typical low-voltage workbench. It is not a wiring reference or a photograph of a circuit tested for this article; use the schematic below for connections. Reader guide Indicator Details Article type Power-interface concept and design checklist Reading time About 12 minutes ...