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

The L298N is a dual H-bridge motor driver module designed to control the direction and speed of DC motors using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals. It is capable of driving two DC motors simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications. The module is robust, easy to use, and supports a wide range of motor voltages and currents, making it suitable for hobbyists and professionals alike.

• Robotics (e.g., controlling robot wheels)
• Conveyor belt systems
• Automated gates and doors
• DIY motorized projects
• Remote-controlled vehicles

• Operating Voltage (Logic): 5V
• Motor Supply Voltage (Vmotor): 5V to 35V
• Maximum Motor Current (per channel): 2A
• Peak Motor Current (per channel): 3A (short duration)
• Logic Current: 0 to 36mA
• Control Method: PWM for speed control, logic signals for direction
• Number of Channels: 2 (can drive two motors independently)
• 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 logic circuit (e.g., Arduino) is powered separately, ensure a common ground connection.

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 for speed control.
   • Connect IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 to digital pins on your microcontroller for direction control.

4. Logic Power:

   • If the motor power supply is greater than 12V, do not use the onboard 5V regulator to power the logic circuit. Instead, provide a separate 5V supply to the 5V pin.

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

• Motor 1 terminals: OUT1 and OUT2
• Motor 2 terminals: OUT3 and OUT4
• Arduino connections:
  • ENA → Pin 9 (PWM)
  • ENB → Pin 10 (PWM)
  • IN1 → Pin 7
  • IN2 → Pin 6
  • IN3 → Pin 5
  • IN4 → Pin 4

// 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() {
  // Example: Run Motor 1 forward at 50% speed
  analogWrite(ENA, 128); // Set speed (0-255)
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH); // Set direction
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);

  // Example: Run Motor 2 backward at 75% speed
  analogWrite(ENB, 192); // Set speed (0-255)
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW); // Set direction
  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
}

• Ensure the motor power supply voltage matches the motor's specifications.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum current rating of 2A per channel.
• Use heat sinks or cooling if the module gets too hot during operation.
• Always connect a common ground between the L298N and the microcontroller.

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Check all power connections and ensure the motor power supply is sufficient.
   • Verify that the ENA and ENB pins are receiving PWM signals.

2. Motors Running in the Wrong Direction:

   • Swap the connections of IN1 and IN2 (or IN3 and IN4) to reverse the direction.
   • Ensure the logic signals are correctly set for the desired direction.

3. Module Overheating:

   • Reduce the motor load or add a heat sink to the L298N chip.
   • Ensure the motor current does not exceed 2A per channel.

4. Noisy Operation:

   • Add capacitors (e.g., 0.1µF) across the motor terminals to reduce electrical noise.

Q: Can the L298N drive stepper motors?
A: Yes, the L298N can drive stepper motors by controlling the two H-bridges. However, additional logic or libraries may be required for precise stepper motor control.

Q: Can I use the onboard 5V regulator to power my Arduino?
A: Yes, but only if the motor power supply is between 7V and 12V. For higher voltages, use a separate 5V power source.

Q: What happens if I exceed the current rating?
A: The module may overheat, and the built-in thermal shutdown will activate to protect the chip. However, repeated overcurrent conditions can damage the module.