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

The L298N is a dual H-bridge motor driver that allows control of the direction and speed of DC motors. It is capable of driving two DC motors simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for robotics, automation, and other motor control applications. The module can handle motors with operating voltages between 5V and 35V and currents up to 2A per channel. Its compact design and ease of use make it a popular choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.

• Robotics: Controlling wheels or tracks in mobile robots
• Automation: Operating conveyor belts or mechanical arms
• DIY Projects: Building remote-controlled cars or boats
• Educational Purposes: Learning motor control and H-bridge concepts

Below are the key technical details of the L298N motor driver module:

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 using the onboard 5V regulator, the 5V pin can be used to power the logic circuit. Otherwise, provide a separate 5V logic supply.

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 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, avoid using the onboard 5V regulator to prevent overheating. Instead, provide an external 5V logic supply.

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

// Define control pins for Motor A
#define ENA 9  // PWM pin for speed control
#define IN1 8  // Direction control pin 1
#define IN2 7  // Direction control pin 2

// Define control pins for Motor B
#define ENB 10 // PWM pin for speed control
#define IN3 6  // Direction control pin 1
#define IN4 5  // Direction control pin 2

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() {
  // Motor A: Forward at 50% speed
  digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH); // Set IN1 high
  digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);  // Set IN2 low
  analogWrite(ENA, 128);   // Set speed (0-255)

  // Motor B: Backward at 75% speed
  digitalWrite(IN3, LOW);  // Set IN3 low
  digitalWrite(IN4, HIGH); // Set IN4 high
  analogWrite(ENB, 192);   // Set speed (0-255)

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

  // Stop both motors
  analogWrite(ENA, 0);     // Stop Motor A
  analogWrite(ENB, 0);     // Stop Motor B
  delay(2000); // Wait for 2 seconds
}

• Use a heat sink on the L298N module if driving motors with high current to prevent overheating.
• Ensure the motor power supply voltage matches the motor's operating voltage range.
• Avoid exceeding the maximum current rating (2A continuous) to prevent damage to the module.
• Use external diodes for additional protection if driving inductive loads.

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 motor direction.

3. Overheating:

   • Attach a heat sink to the L298N module.
   • Reduce the motor load or use motors with lower current requirements.

4. No Output on Motor Terminals:

   • Ensure the ENA and ENB pins are enabled (set to HIGH or receiving a PWM signal).
   • Check for loose connections or damaged wires.

Q: Can the L298N drive stepper motors?
A: Yes, the L298N can drive stepper motors by controlling the sequence of the H-bridge outputs. However, additional programming is required.

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 an external 5V regulator to avoid overheating.

Q: What is the maximum motor voltage the L298N can handle?
A: The L298N can handle motor voltages up to 35V.

Q: Can I control the speed of the motors?
A: Yes, by providing a PWM signal to the ENA and ENB pins, you can control the motor speed.

This concludes the documentation for the L298N DC motor driver.