How to Use L298_BRIDGE_DRIVER: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The L298 Bridge Driver is an integrated circuit (IC) designed for controlling and driving DC motors or stepper motors in a bi-directional mode. It achieves this through two H-bridge configurations, which allow for individual control of two motors simultaneously. The L298 is widely used in robotics, CNC machines, and other applications where precise motor control is required.

• Robotics: Driving wheels or actuator motors.
• CNC Machines: Controlling stepper motors for precise movements.
• Electric Vehicles: Managing small DC motors for propulsion or steering.
• Hobby Projects: Used in DIY projects that require motor control.

• Operating Voltage (Vss): Up to 46V
• Total DC Current (up to 25°C): 4A per channel or 2A per channel for L298N
• Peak Output Current (non-repetitive t = 100ms): 3A
• Logical Input Voltage (Vss): 4.5V to 7V
• Power SO20 (Derating Factor): 13W at 25°C

1. Connect the motor supply voltage to Vs (Pin 1 and 14) and ground to GND (Pin 2 and 13).
2. Apply the logic supply voltage to Vss (Pin 3).
3. Connect the motors to Out 1 & 2 (Pin 4 & 5) and Out 3 & 4 (Pin 10 & 11).
4. Use In 1 & 2 (Pin 6 & 7) and In 3 & 4 (Pin 9) to control the direction of the motors.
5. Use EnA (Pin 8) and EnB (Pin 12) to enable or disable the motor outputs.

• Ensure that the power supply voltage does not exceed the maximum rating.
• Use appropriate heat sinking for the IC to manage heat dissipation.
• Implement flyback diodes to protect against voltage spikes when driving inductive loads.
• Avoid running the IC at its maximum current rating continuously to prevent overheating.

// Define the L298N control pins
#define ENA 9
#define IN1 8
#define IN2 7
#define IN3 6
#define IN4 5
#define ENB 3

void setup() {
  // Set all the motor control pins to outputs
  pinMode(ENA, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN4, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(ENB, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Drive motor 1 forward
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  analogWrite(ENA, 200); // Set speed (0-255)

  // Drive motor 2 forward
  digitalWrite(IN3, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
  analogWrite(ENB, 200); // Set speed (0-255)

  delay(2000); // Run for 2 seconds

  // Stop both motors
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
  delay(1000); // Stop for 1 second
}

• Motor not running: Check power supply connections, ensure that the logic and motor supply voltages are correctly applied.
• Overheating: Ensure proper heat sinking and avoid running the IC at maximum current for extended periods.
• Inconsistent motor operation: Verify that the input signals are correct and that there are no loose connections.

• Double-check wiring against the pin configuration.
• Use a multimeter to verify the presence of supply voltages at the appropriate pins.
• Implement code debugging by using serial outputs to monitor the state of control pins.

Q: Can the L298 drive two motors independently? A: Yes, the L298 can control two motors independently using separate input and enable pins for each H-bridge.

Q: What is the maximum voltage and current the L298 can handle? A: The maximum motor supply voltage is 46V, and it can handle up to 4A per channel or 2A per channel for the L298N variant.

Q: Do I need to use flyback diodes with the L298? A: The L298 has internal clamp diodes, but external flyback diodes are recommended for better protection, especially with higher inductive loads.