How to Use L298N DC motor driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The L298N is a dual H-bridge motor driver that enables control of the direction and speed of DC motors using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals. It is capable of driving two DC motors simultaneously, making it a versatile and widely used component in robotics, automation, and motor control projects. The L298N is designed to handle motors with operating voltages between 5V and 35V and can deliver up to 2A of current per channel.

• Robotics: Controlling the movement of robot wheels or arms.
• Automation: Driving conveyor belts or automated systems.
• DIY Projects: Building remote-controlled cars, drones, or other motorized devices.
• Educational Projects: Learning about motor control and H-bridge circuits.

• Operating Voltage (Logic): 5V
• Motor Supply Voltage (Vmotor): 5V to 35V
• Maximum Output Current (Per Channel): 2A
• Logic Current: 0mA to 36mA
• Control Method: PWM for speed control, logic HIGH/LOW for direction control
• Number of Channels: 2 (dual H-bridge)
• Built-in Protection: Thermal shutdown and overcurrent protection
• Dimensions: Approximately 43mm x 43mm x 27mm

The L298N module has several pins and terminals for motor control and power input. Below is a detailed description:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the motor power supply to the VCC terminal (5V to 35V).
   • Connect the ground of the power supply to the GND terminal.
   • If the motor power supply is greater than 7V, the 5V pin can be used as a 5V output to power external logic circuits.

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the terminals of Motor 1 to OUT1 and OUT2.
   • Connect the terminals of Motor 2 to OUT3 and OUT4.

3. Control Connections:

   • Connect the ENA and ENB pins to PWM-capable pins on your microcontroller to control motor speed.
   • Connect IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 to digital pins on your microcontroller to control motor direction.

4. Logic Power:

   • If your microcontroller operates at 5V, connect its 5V output to the 5V pin on the L298N module.

• Ensure the motor power supply voltage matches the motor's operating voltage.
• Use a heat sink or cooling fan if driving motors at high currents for extended periods.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum current rating of 2A per channel to prevent damage.
• Use appropriate decoupling capacitors on the power supply to reduce noise.

Below is an example of how to control two DC motors using the L298N and an Arduino UNO:

• ENA → Arduino Pin 9 (PWM)
• ENB → Arduino Pin 10 (PWM)
• IN1 → Arduino Pin 7
• IN2 → Arduino Pin 6
• IN3 → Arduino Pin 5
• IN4 → Arduino Pin 4
• VCC → External Motor Power Supply (e.g., 12V)
• GND → Common Ground (Arduino and Motor Power Supply)

// Define control pins for Motor 1
#define ENA 9  // PWM pin for speed control
#define IN1 7  // Direction control pin
#define IN2 6  // Direction control pin

// Define control pins for Motor 2
#define ENB 10 // PWM pin for speed control
#define IN3 5  // Direction control pin
#define IN4 4  // Direction control pin

void setup() {
  // Set motor control pins as outputs
  pinMode(ENA, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ENB, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN4, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Motor 1: Forward at 50% speed
  analogWrite(ENA, 128); // Set speed (0-255)
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);

  // Motor 2: Backward at 75% speed
  analogWrite(ENB, 192); // Set speed (0-255)
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN4, HIGH);

  delay(2000); // Run motors for 2 seconds

  // Stop both motors
  analogWrite(ENA, 0);
  analogWrite(ENB, 0);

  delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds
}

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Ensure the motor power supply is connected and providing sufficient voltage.
   • Verify that the ENA and ENB pins are receiving PWM signals.
   • Check the wiring of the motor terminals (OUT1, OUT2, OUT3, OUT4).

2. Motors Running in the Wrong Direction:

   • Swap the connections of IN1 and IN2 (or IN3 and IN4) to reverse the motor direction.
   • Verify the logic levels being sent to the direction control pins.

3. Overheating:

   • Use a heat sink or cooling fan to dissipate heat.
   • Reduce the motor load or operating current.

4. No 5V Output:

   • Ensure the motor power supply voltage is greater than 7V for the onboard 5V regulator to function.

• Can the L298N drive stepper motors? Yes, the L298N can drive stepper motors by controlling the sequence of the H-bridge outputs.

• What is the maximum motor current the L298N can handle? The L298N can handle up to 2A per channel, but a heat sink is recommended for high currents.

• Can I use the L298N with a 3.3V microcontroller? The L298N is designed for 5V logic. Use a level shifter or ensure the control signals are compatible.