How to Use L298N: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The L298N is a dual H-bridge motor driver designed to control the direction and speed of DC motors and stepper motors. It is a versatile and robust component capable of driving two motors simultaneously, with each channel supporting up to 2A of current. The L298N is widely used in robotics, automation, and other motor control applications due to its ease of use and compatibility with microcontrollers like Arduino.

• Robotics: Driving wheels or robotic arms
• Automation: Conveyor belts, automated gates, and other motorized systems
• DIY Projects: Remote-controlled cars, drones, and hobbyist robots
• Stepper Motor Control: For precise positioning in CNC machines or 3D printers

• Operating Voltage: 5V to 46V
• Output Current: Up to 2A per channel (continuous)
• Peak Current: 3A per channel (short duration)
• Logic Voltage: 5V
• Control Logic Levels: High (1) = 2.3V to 5V, Low (0) = 0V to 1.5V
• Power Dissipation: 25W (with proper heat sinking)
• Built-in Protection: Thermal shutdown and overcurrent protection
• Dimensions: Typically 43mm x 43mm (for the module version)

The L298N module typically has the following pins:

Note: The module often includes a jumper for the ENA and ENB pins. If the jumper is in place, the motors will run at full speed by default.

1. Power Connections:

   • Connect the 12V pin to an external power source (e.g., a battery or power supply) that matches the voltage requirements of your motors.
   • Connect the GND pin to the ground of your power source and microcontroller.
   • If your microcontroller operates at 5V, you can use the 5V pin on the L298N module to power it (ensure the jumper is in place).

2. Motor Connections:

   • Connect the terminals of Motor A to OUT1 and OUT2.
   • Connect the terminals of Motor B to OUT3 and OUT4.

3. Control Connections:

   • Connect the IN1, IN2, IN3, and IN4 pins to the digital output pins of your microcontroller.
   • For speed control, connect the ENA and ENB pins to PWM-capable pins on your microcontroller.

4. Programming:

   • Use your microcontroller to send HIGH or LOW signals to the IN pins to control the direction of the motors.
   • Send a PWM signal to the ENA and ENB pins to control the speed of the motors.

The following example demonstrates how to control two DC motors using the L298N and an Arduino UNO:

// Define motor control pins
const int IN1 = 7;  // Motor A direction control pin 1
const int IN2 = 6;  // Motor A direction control pin 2
const int ENA = 5;  // Motor A speed control (PWM)
const int IN3 = 4;  // Motor B direction control pin 1
const int IN4 = 3;  // Motor B direction control pin 2
const int ENB = 2;  // Motor B speed control (PWM)

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

void loop() {
  // Motor A: Forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);  // Set IN1 HIGH
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);   // Set IN2 LOW
  analogWrite(ENA, 128);    // Set ENA to 50% duty cycle (128/255)

  // Motor B: Backward at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);   // Set IN3 LOW
  digitalWrite(IN4, HIGH);  // Set IN4 HIGH
  analogWrite(ENB, 192);    // Set ENB to 75% duty cycle (192/255)

  delay(2000);  // Run motors for 2 seconds

  // Stop both motors
  digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);
  digitalWrite(IN4, LOW);
  analogWrite(ENA, 0);
  analogWrite(ENB, 0);

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

• Heat Dissipation: The L298N can get hot during operation, especially at higher currents. Use a heat sink or active cooling to prevent overheating.
• Power Supply: Ensure the external power supply voltage matches the requirements of your motors.
• Current Limits: Do not exceed the 2A continuous current rating per channel to avoid damaging the module.
• Jumper Settings: If using PWM for speed control, remove the jumpers on the ENA and ENB pins.

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Check all power and ground connections.
   • Verify that the IN pins are receiving the correct HIGH/LOW signals.
   • Ensure the ENA and ENB pins are properly connected or the jumpers are in place.

2. Motors Running in the Wrong Direction:

   • Swap the connections of the motor terminals (OUT1/OUT2 or OUT3/OUT4).
   • Reverse the HIGH/LOW signals sent to the IN pins.

3. Overheating:

   • Add a heat sink or fan to the L298N module.
   • Reduce the load on the motors or use motors with lower current requirements.

4. Microcontroller Resetting:

   • Ensure the power supply can handle the combined current draw of the motors and the L298N module.
   • Use a separate power supply for the motors and the microcontroller, connecting their grounds.

• Can the L298N drive stepper motors? Yes, the L298N can control stepper motors by energizing the coils in the correct sequence. This requires additional programming.

• What is the purpose of the 5V pin? The 5V pin provides a regulated 5V output that can power a microcontroller. However, it should not be used if the motor supply voltage exceeds 12V.

• Can I use the L298N with a 3.3V microcontroller? Yes, but you may need level shifters to ensure proper logic levels for the control pins.