The EX-Motorshield8874 is pin compatible with the original Arduino Motor Shield Rev3 but provides significantly improved electrical performance for driving higher loads, and improved usability.

Rated for 5 Amps of continuous output current

No need to cut traces or bend out pins for stacking on the EX-CommandStation

2 outputs (Main and Programming Track or 2 Mains)

Single power supply input powers the shield, the Arduino, and the track (motor output)!

5V and 3.3V compatible

Virtually no voltage drop, even at high currents

I2C header and STEMMA Qwiic connector for accessories (displays, port expanders, servo boards, etc.)

Reverse polarity protection

Fault detection in addition to overcurrent reporting for extra safety

Alternative power in and out solder pads for different connector types

Stackable (Support multiple Power Districts)

Optional OLED header to connect a display directly to the shield

The EX-Motorshield8874 is based on two DRV8874 H-bridge motor drivers with integrated current sensing from Texas Instruments (TI). It is used to drive inductive loads like relays, solenoids, DC and stepping motors, as well as provide the DCC signal and power to the model railroad tracks.

Powering of Arduino boards is possible due to the on board DC/DC buck converter, supporting a wide input supply range from 9 to 30V. The reverse polarity protection prevents damage to the circuit and its components in case the power supply is accidentally connected backwards.

The board’s 5V and 3V3 friendly design makes it suitable for a broad range of Arduino compatible platforms, with an override that compensates for designs with incomplete support (such as an incorrect IORef voltage).

This Shield features a status LED for supply, which provides a visual indication of the power supply status in addition to LEDs to show each side of the A and B power outputs.