Connecting a DC motor using an H-bridge and the Galileo

The next step is to add a bit more functionality with a new type of chip, an H-bridge. An H-bridge is a fairly simple device; it basically consists of a set of switches and functionalities to allow the direction of the current to be reversed so that the motor can either be run in the forward, or in the reverse, direction.

Let's start this example by building the H-bridge circuit and controlling just one motor. To do this, you'll need to get an H-bridge. One of the most common ones is the L293 dual H-bridge chip. This chip will allow you to control the direction of the DC motors. These chips are available at most electronics stores or online. You'll also need a capacitor; you can use the 1 µFarad from the previous example, if you like. Once you have your H-bridge, build the following circuit with the Galileo, the motor, and breadboard:

Specifically, you'll want to connect these pins on the Galileo to the pins on the H-bridge. Here is the...