How to Use L298N Motor Driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The L298N Motor Driver, manufactured by QWER (Part ID: L298N), is an integrated circuit designed to control two DC motors or a single stepper motor. It supports bidirectional control and speed regulation using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). With a current handling capacity of up to 2A per channel and an operating voltage range of 5V to 35V, the L298N is a versatile and reliable choice for robotics, automation, and motor control applications.

• Robotics: Driving wheels or robotic arms
• Automation systems: Conveyor belts, actuators
• DIY projects: RC cars, drones, and other motorized devices
• Stepper motor control for CNC machines or 3D printers

Below are the key technical details of the L298N Motor Driver:

The L298N Motor Driver has the following pin configuration:

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the motor power supply to the VCC pin (5V to 35V).
   • Connect the ground of the power supply to the GND pin.
   • If the motor power supply is above 7V, you can use the onboard 5V regulator to power the logic circuit by connecting the 5V pin to your microcontroller.

2. Motor Connections:

   • For Motor A, connect its terminals to OUT1 and OUT2.
   • For Motor B, connect its terminals to OUT3 and OUT4.

3. Control Connections:

   • Connect the IN1 and IN2 pins to your microcontroller to control Motor A's direction.
   • Connect the IN3 and IN4 pins to your microcontroller to control Motor B's direction.
   • Use the ENA and ENB pins for speed control by providing a PWM signal.

4. Logic Power:

   • If using an external 5V logic power source, connect it to the 5V pin. Ensure the ground of the logic power source is connected to the GND pin.

• Heat Dissipation: The L298N can get hot during operation. Use a heatsink or active cooling for high-current applications.
• Current Limitation: Ensure the motor's current does not exceed 2A per channel to avoid damage.
• Flyback Diodes: The L298N has built-in flyback diodes to protect against voltage spikes caused by motor inductance.

Below is an example of how to control a 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 terminals to OUT1 and OUT2.
• Connect the motor power supply to VCC and GND.

// L298N Motor Driver Example with Arduino UNO
// Controls a single DC motor connected to 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
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);  // Set IN1 HIGH
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);   // Set IN2 LOW
  analogWrite(ENA, 150);    // Set speed (0-255)

  delay(2000);              // Run for 2 seconds

  // Rotate motor backward
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);   // Set IN1 LOW
  digitalWrite(IN2, HIGH);  // Set IN2 HIGH
  analogWrite(ENA, 150);    // Set speed (0-255)

  delay(2000);              // Run for 2 seconds

  // Stop motor
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);   // Set IN1 LOW
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);   // Set IN2 LOW
  analogWrite(ENA, 0);      // Set speed to 0

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

1. Motor Not Spinning:

   • Check the power supply voltage and ensure it matches the motor's requirements.
   • Verify the connections to the IN and OUT pins.
   • Ensure the ENA or ENB pin is receiving a PWM signal or is set HIGH.

2. Overheating:

   • Ensure the current drawn by the motor does not exceed 2A per channel.
   • Use a heatsink or active cooling for high-current applications.

3. Noisy Motor Operation:

   • Check for loose connections.
   • Use capacitors across the motor terminals to reduce electrical noise.

Q: Can the L298N control stepper motors?
A: Yes, the L298N can control a bipolar stepper motor by using both channels (Motor A and Motor B).

Q: Can I use the onboard 5V regulator to power my Arduino?
A: Yes, if the motor power supply is above 7V, the onboard 5V regulator can provide power to the Arduino. However, ensure the current draw does not exceed the regulator's capacity.

Q: What is the maximum PWM frequency supported?
A: The L298N supports PWM frequencies up to 20 kHz.

Q: Can I control more than two motors with one L298N?
A: No, the L298N can control only two DC motors or one stepper motor. For additional motors, use multiple L298N modules.