How to Use L298N: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The L298N is a dual H-bridge motor driver IC designed to control the direction and speed of DC motors and stepper motors. It is widely used in robotics and automation projects due to its ability to drive two motors simultaneously with a current capacity of up to 2A per channel. The L298N is a versatile and robust component, making it ideal for applications such as robotic arms, motorized vehicles, conveyor belts, and other motor-driven systems.

• Operating Voltage: 5V to 46V
• Output Current: Up to 2A per channel
• Logic Voltage: 5V
• Control Logic Levels: Low (0V to 1.5V), High (2.3V to 5V)
• Power Dissipation: 25W (with proper heat sinking)
• Built-in Protection: Thermal shutdown and overcurrent protection
• Number of Channels: 2 (dual H-bridge)
• Motor Types Supported: DC motors and stepper motors

The L298N module typically comes with a breakout board for easier use. Below is the pin configuration for the module:

Note: The onboard 5V regulator is active only if the motor power supply voltage is greater than 7V.

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the motor power supply (e.g., 12V) to the 12V pin.
   • Connect the ground of the power supply to the GND pin.
   • If your microcontroller operates at 5V, you can use the 5V pin to power it (if the motor supply voltage is >7V).

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the terminals of Motor A to OUT1 and OUT2.
   • Connect the terminals of Motor B 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 has its own 5V power supply, connect it to the 5V pin on the L298N module.

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

// Define motor control pins
#define ENA 9  // PWM pin for Motor A speed control
#define IN1 8  // Direction control for Motor A
#define IN2 7  // Direction control for Motor A
#define ENB 10 // PWM pin for Motor B speed control
#define IN3 6  // Direction control for Motor B
#define IN4 5  // Direction control for Motor B

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 A: Forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH); // Set IN1 high
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);  // Set IN2 low
  analogWrite(ENA, 128);   // Set ENA to 50% duty cycle (128/255)

  // Motor B: Backward at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);  // Set IN3 low
  digitalWrite(IN4, HIGH); // Set IN4 high
  analogWrite(ENB, 192);   // Set ENB to 75% duty cycle (192/255)

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

  // Stop both motors
  analogWrite(ENA, 0); // Set ENA to 0% duty cycle
  analogWrite(ENB, 0); // Set ENB to 0% duty cycle

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

• Use a heat sink with the L298N to prevent overheating, especially when driving motors at high currents.
• Ensure the motor power supply voltage matches the motor's rated voltage.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum current rating (2A per channel) to prevent damage to the IC.
• Use external diodes for additional protection if your motors generate significant back EMF.

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Check all power connections and ensure the motor power supply is connected to the 12V pin.
   • Verify that the ENA and ENB pins are receiving a valid PWM signal.

2. Motors Running in the Wrong Direction:

   • Swap the connections of IN1 and IN2 (or IN3 and IN4) to reverse the motor direction.

3. Overheating:

   • Attach a heat sink to the L298N IC.
   • Reduce the motor load or use motors with lower current requirements.

4. No Output on the 5V Pin:

   • 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 bipolar stepper motors by controlling the two H-bridge channels.

• What is the maximum voltage the L298N can handle? The L298N can handle up to 46V on the motor power supply pin.

• Can I use the L298N with a 3.3V microcontroller? Yes, but you may need level shifters to ensure proper logic level compatibility.

• Why is my motor speed inconsistent? Check the PWM signal quality and ensure the power supply can provide sufficient current.