Pi-Plates MOTORplate
Best motion control solution for advanced robotics and automation enthusiasts.
This board offloads the heavy lifting of motion control to its own dedicated processor, keeping your Raspberry Pi free for more complex logic. It trades a bit of board footprint for the ability to stack multiple units, making it the smartest way to scale up serious robotics projects.
$33.95
at
SparkFun Education
Who it's for
- Makers building complex systems with multiple add-on boards
- Robotics hobbyists needing diverse motor and servo control
- Python developers seeking quick and easy hardware integration
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists preferring low-cost driver components
- Users wanting a simple, single-source power setup
- Engineers requiring access to GPIO pins for additional sensors
Performance breakdown
Motion Control Precision
Dedicated RP2040 processor handles complex trajectories with professional-grade accuracy.
System Scalability
Stacking up to eight boards allows for massive, multi-motor project expansion.
Raspberry Pi Efficiency
Offloading heavy lifting preserves critical Pi resources for other tasks.
Integration Ease
Terminal blocks and minimal pin usage simplify complex wiring setups significantly.
Power Versatility
Flexible input options accommodate diverse power requirements for demanding robotics.
Developer Support
Comprehensive example code and guides accelerate the path from prototype to production.
Key Specs
Motor Drive Capability
2 Stepper Motors or 4 DC Motors
Maximum Output Current
1.2 A (average), 3.2 A (peak)
Stackable Design
Supports up to 8 boards
Dedicated Onboard Processor for Motion Control
Power Input Options
Raspberry Pi 5VDC or Dedicated Input (15V MAX)
Low Standby Current
Less than 10mA DC
I/O Protection
ESD and overvoltage protected inputs
Pin Usage
Requires only two dedicated RPi pins
Form Factor
Raspberry Pi Pico Style
Programming Interface
Bootloader via USB
Know before you buy
Still have a question?
Ask Metto anything about the Pi-Plates MOTORplate before you decide.
