Product Specifications

Features
Mixed and independent options:
Sabertooth features mixed modes designed especially for differential drive robots, where two
motors provide both steering and propulsion. It also has independent options in all operating
modes. This is useful for if you have two motors to control, but they aren’t necessarily being
used to drive a differential drive robot. The motors do not need to be matched or even similar, as
long as they both are within Sabertooth’s operating limits.
Synchronous regenerative drive:
Going one step farther than just regenerative braking, a Sabertooth motor driver will return
power to the battery any time a deceleration or motor reversal is commanded. This can lead to
dramatic improvements in run time for systems that stop or reverse often, like a placement robot
or a vehicle driving on hilly terrain. This drive scheme also saves power by returning the
inductive energy stored in the motor windings to the battery each switching cycle, instead of
burning it as heat in the motor windings. This makes part-throttle operation very efficient.
Ultra-sonic switching frequency:
Sabertooth 2x5 features a PWM frequency of 32kHz, which is well above the maximum
frequency of human hearing. Unlike some other motor drivers, there is no annoying whine when
the motor is on, even at low power levels.
Thermal and overcurrent protection:
Sabertooth features a temperature sensor and overcurrent sensing. It will protect itself from
failure due to overheating, overloading and short circuits.
Easy mounting and setup:
Sabertooth has screw terminals for all inputs and outputs. There are two mounting holes, which
accept 2-56 screws. Mounting hardware is included. All operating modes and options are set
with DIP switches – there are no jumpers to struggle with or lose. No soldering is required.
Compact Size:
Sabertooth utilizes surface mount construction to provide the most power from a compact
package. Its small size and light weight means you have more space for cargo, batteries, or can
make your robot smaller and more nimble than the competition.
Carefree reversing:
Unlike some other motor drivers, there is no need for the Sabertooth to stop before being
commanded to reverse. You can go from full forward immediately to full reverse or vice versa.
Braking and acceleration are proportional to the amount of reversal commanded, so gentle or
rapid reversing is possible.
Many operating modes:
With analog, R/C and serial input modes, as well as dozens of operating options, the Sabertooth
has the flexibility to be used over and over, even as your projects grow more sophisticated. Yet it
is simple enough to use for your first robot project.