on October 29th 145

How the L298N Motor Driver Powers DC and Stepper Motors

Discover how the L298N motor driver lets you control speed and direction for motors in your projects, making it ideal for robotics and automation. This article covers its features, applications, and answers common questions to help you get started.

Catalog

Overview of the L298N Motor Driver

The L298N motor driver is designed for efficiently controlling the speed and direction of DC and stepper motors, especially in projects needing robust power management. This dual full-bridge driver handles high-current and high-voltage applications, ideal for motors, relays, and solenoids. Accepting standard TTL logic levels, it integrates smoothly with control circuits. The L298N includes dual enable inputs, allowing each motor to be independently enabled or disabled without modifying main inputs. An additional supply input lets you run the logic side at a lower voltage than the motor supply, enhancing compatibility with various logic levels.

L298N Pin Configuration

Pin	Name	Function
1; 15	Sense A; Sense B	Between this pin and ground is connected the sense resistor to control the current of the load.
2; 3	Out 1; Out 2	Outputs of the Bridge A; the current that flows through the load connected between these two pins is monitored at pin 1.
4	Vs	Supply Voltage for the Power Output Stages. A non-inductive 100nF capacitor must be connected between this pin and ground.
5; 7	Input 1; Input 2	TTL Compatible Inputs of the Bridge A.
6; 11	Enable A; Enable B	TTL Compatible Enable Input: the L state disables the bridge A (enable A) and/or the bridge B (enable B).
8	GND	Ground.
9	VSS	Supply Voltage for the Logic Blocks. A 100nF capacitor must be connected between this pin and ground.
10; 12	Input 3; Input 4	TTL Compatible Inputs of the Bridge B.
13; 14	Out 3; Out 4	Outputs of the Bridge B; the current that flows through the load connected between these two pins is monitored at pin 15.
-	N.C.	Not Connected

L298N CAD Model Details

Symbol of the L298N Motor Driver

Footprint for L298N Motor Driver

3D Model of the L298N Driver

Key Features of the L298N Driver

Operating Voltage Range

The L298N driver supports an operating voltage of up to 46V, making it suitable for applications that require higher voltages. This allows you to drive a wide range of motors, particularly useful when working with high-power DC and stepper motors that need stable voltage control.

High Current Capacity

With a total direct current capacity of up to 4A, the L298N is designed to handle demanding loads. This feature is useful in applications that involve larger motors or multiple smaller motors, ensuring smooth operation without risk of overheating.

Low Saturation Voltage

The driver offers low saturation voltage, which means it minimizes energy loss and allows for efficient power usage. This feature helps maintain consistent motor performance, which can be particularly helpful in applications where precision and energy conservation are priorities.

Overtemperature Protection

The L298N includes a built-in overtemperature protection feature, providing automatic shutdown in case of overheating. This feature helps extend the life of the driver and connected components, adding an extra layer of safety to your motor-driven projects.

High Noise Immunity

The L298N is built to handle logical "0" input voltages up to 1.5V, giving it high immunity to electrical noise. This ensures the driver continues to operate reliably, even in electrically noisy environments, which is especially useful in industrial settings or projects involving multiple electronic components.

L298N Motor Driver Technical Specifications

Technical specifications, attributes, parameters, and comparable parts for the STMicroelectronics L298N

Type	Parameter
Lifecycle Status	ACTIVE (Last Updated: 6 months ago)
Factory Lead Time	10 Weeks
Mount	Through Hole
Mounting Type	Through Hole
Package / Case	Multiwatt-15 (Vertical, Bent and Staggered Leads)
Number of Pins	15
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 150°C TJ
Packaging	Tube
JESD-609 Code	e3
Part Status	Active
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)	1 (Unlimited)
Number of Terminations	15
ECCN Code	EAR99
Terminal Finish	Matte Tin (Sn)
Applications	DC Motors, Relays, Solenoids, Stepper Motors
Voltage - Supply	4.5V ~ 7V
Terminal Position	Zig-Zag
Number of Functions	2
Supply Voltage	5V
Base Part Number	L298
Pin Count	15
Number of Outputs	4
Output Voltage	46V
Max Output Current	3A
Operating Supply Voltage	42V
Number of Channels	2
Interface	Logic
Operating Supply Current	13mA
Output Configuration	Half Bridge (4)
Output Current	2A
Quiescent Current	500mA
Output Characteristics	Totem-Pole
Output Current per Channel	2A
Collector Emitter Voltage (VCEO)	46V
Max Collector Current	3A
Output Polarity	TRUE
Input Characteristics	Standard
Voltage - Load	4.8V ~ 46V
Fault Protection	Current Limiting, Over Temperature
Supply Voltage1-Nom	42V
Min Supply Voltage (DC)	4.8V
Built-in Protections	Over Current
Motor Type	Brushed
Load Type	Inductive
Height	10.7mm
Length	19.6mm
Width	20mm
REACH SVHC	No SVHC
Radiation Hardening	No
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Lead Free	Lead Free

Parts Comparable to the L298N Driver

Part Number	L298N	MAX232DW	TJA1048T,118	MAX202CDR	MAX232ECN
Manufacturer	STMicroelectronics	Texas Instruments	NXP USA Inc.	Texas Instruments	Texas Instruments
Package / Case	Multiwatt-15 (Vertical, Bent and Staggered Leads)	16-SOIC (0.154, 3.90mm Width)	14-SOIC (0.154, 3.90mm Width)	16-SOIC (0.295, 7.50mm Width)	16-DIP (0.300, 7.62mm Width)
Number of Pins	15	16	16	16	16
Output Voltage	46 V	-	-	7 V	-
Interface	Logic	-	-	-	-
Min Supply Voltage	4.8 V	5 V	5 V	5 V	5 V
Supply Voltage	5 V	5 V	5 V	5 V	5 V
Supply Voltage1-Nom	42 V	5 V	5 V	5 V	5 V
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Block Diagram of the L298N Motor Driver

L298N Driver Alternatives and Substitute Parts

Part Number	Description	Manufacturer
L298KV	2A 2 Channel, Full Bridge Based Peripheral Driver, PZFM15	Texas Instruments
L298HN	Dual Full Bridge Driver	STMicroelectronics

Applications and Use Cases for the L298N Motor Driver

Driving DC Motors

The L298N is often used to control DC motors, allowing you to adjust both speed and direction. This makes it suitable for applications where you need precise motor control, like in automated systems, small vehicle models, and hobbyist robotics.

Controlling Stepper Motors

With its dual H-Bridge configuration, the L298N is effective in driving stepper motors. This capability is valuable in applications that require accurate motor steps, such as 3D printers, CNC machines, and other equipment where precise positioning is essential.

Robotics Projects

The L298N driver’s versatility and reliability make it a popular choice in robotics. It lets you control multiple motors smoothly, making it ideal for robots that need complex movements, from simple obstacle-avoiding models to more advanced robotic arms and vehicles.

Operating Inductive Loads

Beyond motors, the L298N can also drive other inductive loads, like relays and solenoids. This application extends its usefulness to projects that involve electromagnetic control, like automated switches, locking mechanisms, and actuator-based systems.

L298N Motor Driver Outline and Dimensions

Manufacturer Information for the L298N Driver

The L298N is manufactured by STMicroelectronics, a well-established provider of reliable semiconductor solutions across diverse electronic applications. Known for combining design expertise with manufacturing strength, STMicroelectronics produces adaptable components for modern electronic needs. Their development approach ensures products like the L298N fit seamlessly into varied applications, supporting effective and reliable motor control.

Datasheet PDF

L298HN Datasheet:

L298HN.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

1. What Does the L298N Motor Driver Do?

The L298N is a dual H-Bridge motor driver that lets you control both the speed and direction of two DC motors at once. When your motor’s supply voltage is up to 12V, you can enable the 5V regulator on the driver. This allows the 5V pin to be used as an output, which can power devices like an Arduino board.

2. How is the L298 Different from the L298N?

The L298N is part of the L298 family of motor drivers, each with a unique current-handling capacity. The L298N specifically supports up to 3 amperes at 35 volts DC, making it a solid choice for powering most hobby motors.

3. How Do You Control Motor Speed with the L298N?

To control speed, you can send signals to the enable pin for each motor. Sending a HIGH signal to enable pin 1, for example, will make motor A run at full speed, while sending a LOW signal will turn it off. If you use a PWM signal, you can adjust the speed, as it will vary based on the duty cycle of the PWM.

4. How Does the L293D Compare to the L298N?

The L293D and L298N drivers have different structures for motor control. The L293D is a quadruple motor driver that uses a half-H bridge, allowing independent control of all four input-output lines. The L298N, on the other hand, uses a dual full-H bridge, meaning you must use the full bridge and cannot operate half of it independently.

5. What is an H-Bridge Circuit in Motor Drivers?

An H-Bridge is a circuit that allows voltage to be applied across a motor in both directions. This makes it possible to run DC motors forward and backward, which is a helpful feature in robotics and other applications where you need directional control.