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

The L298N is a dual H-bridge motor driver that allows control of the direction and speed of DC motors. It is capable of driving two DC motors simultaneously, making it an essential component in robotics and automation projects. The module can handle motors with operating voltages between 5V and 35V and currents up to 2A per channel. Its versatility and ease of use make it a popular choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.

• Robotics: Controlling wheels or tracks in mobile robots
• Automation: Driving conveyor belts or actuators
• DIY projects: Building remote-controlled cars or robotic arms
• Educational purposes: Learning motor control and H-bridge concepts

Below are the key technical details of the L298N motor driver module:

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

1. Power the Module: Connect the motor power supply to the VCC terminal and ground to the GND terminal. If the motor voltage exceeds 12V, ensure the onboard 5V regulator is enabled by removing the jumper on the 5V pin.
2. Connect Motors: Attach the DC motors to the OUT1, OUT2, OUT3, and OUT4 terminals. Each motor requires two terminals.
3. Control Pins: Connect the control pins (ENA, ENB, IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4) to a microcontroller or other control circuit. Use PWM signals on ENA and ENB for speed control.
4. Direction Control: Use the IN1/IN2 pair for Motor A and IN3/IN4 pair for Motor B to set the direction of rotation.

• Heat Dissipation: The L298N can get hot during operation. Use a heat sink or active cooling for high-current applications.
• Power Supply: Ensure the motor power supply matches the voltage and current requirements of your motors.
• Logic Voltage: The control pins operate at 5V logic levels. Use level shifters if interfacing with 3.3V systems.

Below is an example of how to control a single DC motor using the L298N and an Arduino UNO:

• Connect ENA to Arduino pin 9 (PWM output).
• Connect IN1 to Arduino pin 8.
• Connect IN2 to Arduino pin 7.
• Connect the motor to OUT1 and OUT2.
• Connect the motor power supply to VCC and GND.

// Define control pins for Motor A
#define ENA 9  // PWM pin for speed control
#define IN1 8  // Direction control pin 1
#define IN2 7  // Direction control pin 2

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

void loop() {
  // Rotate motor forward at 50% speed
  analogWrite(ENA, 128); // Set speed (0-255)
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH); // Set direction
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  delay(2000); // Run for 2 seconds

  // Rotate motor backward at 75% speed
  analogWrite(ENA, 192); // Set speed (0-255)
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW); // Set direction
  digitalWrite(IN2, HIGH);
  delay(2000); // Run for 2 seconds

  // Stop the motor
  analogWrite(ENA, 0); // Set speed to 0
  delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds
}

1. Motor Not Spinning

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or insufficient power supply.
   • Solution: Double-check all connections and ensure the power supply meets the motor's requirements.

2. Overheating

   • Cause: High current draw or insufficient cooling.
   • Solution: Add a heat sink or active cooling to the L298N module.

3. Motor Spins in One Direction Only

   • Cause: Faulty or incorrect control signals.
   • Solution: Verify the logic levels on the IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 pins.

4. PWM Speed Control Not Working

   • Cause: Incorrect PWM signal or damaged ENA/ENB pins.
   • Solution: Ensure the PWM signal is properly configured and test with a different pin.

• Can the L298N drive stepper motors? Yes, the L298N can control stepper motors by using both H-bridge channels. However, additional logic is required to sequence the motor phases.

• What is the maximum motor voltage the L298N can handle? The module supports motor voltages up to 35V.

• Can I use the L298N with a 3.3V microcontroller? The L298N requires 5V logic levels. Use a level shifter to interface with 3.3V systems.