How to Use l293 motor driver: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The L293 motor driver is an integrated circuit (IC) designed to control the direction and speed of DC motors. It is widely used in robotics, automation projects, and various electronic applications where motor control is required. The L293 is capable of driving two motors simultaneously and is known for its ease of use and versatility.

• Robotics
• Automated machinery
• Hobbyist projects
• Educational platforms

• Supply Voltage (Vcc1): 4.5V to 36V
• Logic Supply Voltage (Vcc2): 4.5V to 7V
• Output Current (each channel): 600mA
• Peak Output Current (each channel): 1.2A
• Enable Input Voltage: 4.5V to 7V

1. Connect Vcc1 to a 5V power supply for the logic part of the IC.
2. Connect Vcc2 to a power supply suitable for your motor (up to 36V).
3. Connect the ground pins to the common ground of your system.
4. Connect the enable pins (1,2EN and 3,4EN) to logic high to enable the motor outputs.
5. Connect the input pins (1A, 2A for Motor 1 and 3A, 4A for Motor 2) to your control signals.
6. Connect the output pins to the terminals of your DC motors.

• Use a separate power supply for Vcc2 if the motor voltage is higher than the logic voltage.
• Place a decoupling capacitor close to the Vcc1 and Vcc2 pins to minimize voltage spikes.
• Ensure that the current and power ratings of the motors do not exceed the IC's specifications.
• Use heat sinks if operating near the peak current ratings to prevent overheating.

// Define motor control pins
#define MOTOR1_PIN1 2
#define MOTOR1_PIN2 3
#define MOTOR2_PIN1 4
#define MOTOR2_PIN2 5

// Define enable pins
#define ENABLE_MOTOR1 9
#define ENABLE_MOTOR2 10

void setup() {
  // Set motor control pins as outputs
  pinMode(MOTOR1_PIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(MOTOR1_PIN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(MOTOR2_PIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(MOTOR2_PIN2, OUTPUT);
  
  // Set enable pins as outputs
  pinMode(ENABLE_MOTOR1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ENABLE_MOTOR2, OUTPUT);
  
  // Enable the motors
  digitalWrite(ENABLE_MOTOR1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(ENABLE_MOTOR2, HIGH);
}

void loop() {
  // Motor 1 forward
  digitalWrite(MOTOR1_PIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(MOTOR1_PIN2, LOW);
  
  // Motor 2 forward
  digitalWrite(MOTOR2_PIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(MOTOR2_PIN2, LOW);
  
  delay(2000); // Run motors for 2 seconds
  
  // Stop motors
  digitalWrite(MOTOR1_PIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(MOTOR1_PIN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(MOTOR2_PIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(MOTOR2_PIN2, LOW);
  
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

• Motor not running: Check power supply, connections, and ensure enable pins are set high.
• Overheating: Ensure current through the motor driver does not exceed 600mA per channel or use a heat sink.
• Inconsistent motor speed or direction: Verify that the input signals are correct and stable.

• Double-check wiring against the pin configuration table.
• Use a multimeter to verify the voltage at Vcc1, Vcc2, and the enable pins.
• Ensure that the logic signals are within the specified voltage range.

Q: Can the L293 drive stepper motors? A: Yes, the L293 can be used to drive bipolar stepper motors with proper control signals.

Q: What is the maximum voltage that can be applied to Vcc2? A: The maximum voltage for Vcc2 is 36V.

Q: Can I control the speed of the motors using the L293? A: Yes, you can control the speed by applying PWM signals to the enable pins.

Q: Is it necessary to use external diodes with the L293? A: The L293 has built-in flyback diodes, but external diodes may be used for added protection.

This documentation provides a comprehensive guide to using the L293 motor driver. For further information, consult the manufacturer's datasheet.