A control unit for activating a drive device, the control unit including at least one circuit board to be contacted by at least one connecting element of the drive device, which includes at least one lead-through for the connecting element, and is contactable from a contacting side via the at least one connecting element with the drive device, the contacting side facing away from the drive device. Also described is a corresponding motor unit including a control unit and a drive device, and a manufacturing method for manufacturing a motor unit.