L298N Dual Full Bridge Motor Driver IC Multiwatt-15

L298N Dual Full Bridge Motor Driver IC Multiwatt-15 is a high-power, high-voltage integrated monolithic circuit designed to accept standard TTL logic levels and drive inductive loads such as relays, solenoids, DC motors, and stepper motors. This robust dual H-bridge driver handles high current requirements effortlessly, making it a staple in the robotics community. Consequently, it allows users to control the speed and direction of two DC motors independently or one bi-polar stepper motor with precision. Utilizing two enable inputs, the chip permits the activation or deactivation of the device independently of the input signals. Furthermore, the emitters of the lower transistors of each bridge are connected together, and the corresponding external terminal can be used for the connection of an external sensing resistor. Therefore, the L298N remains one of the most versatile and reliable solutions for high-current motor control in embedded systems.

Key Features:

• High Operating Voltage: The device operates at voltages up to 46 V, providing ample headroom for various industrial and hobbyist power supplies.
• High Output Current: It delivers a total DC current of up to 4 A, split as 2 A per bridge, to handle demanding inductive loads.
• Overtemperature Protection: Built-in thermal shutdown functionality protects the silicon from damage during stalled motor conditions or excessive loading.
• Low Saturation Voltage: The internal transistors feature optimized saturation levels to minimize power loss and heat generation during operation.
• TTL Compatible Inputs: It interfaces directly with microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi without the need for logic level shifters.

Technical Specifications:

• Supply Voltage (V_S): Up to 50 V (Absolute Maximum)
• Logic Supply Voltage (V_ss): Up to 7 V
• Peak Output Current (Non-Repetitive): 3 A per channel (t = 100 μs)
• Continuous Output Current: 2 A per channel
• Input Voltage Range: −0.3 V to 7 V
• Total Power Dissipation: 25 W (at T_case = 75°C)
• Storage Temperature: −40°C to +150°C

Mechanical Specifications:

• Package Type: Multiwatt-15 (Vertical Through-Hole)
• Pin Count: 15 Leads
• Heat Sink Tab: Integrated metal tab connected to Ground for efficient thermal management.
• Mounting: Designed for easy bolting to external aluminum heat sinks.

Dimensions:

• Package Height: ≈ 22.1 mm (including pins)
• Body Width: ≈ 19.6 mm
• Pin Pitch: ≈ 1.27 mm
• Tab Hole Diameter: ≈ 3.8 mm

Pinout and Wiring:

• Pin 1 & 15 (Sensing A/B): Connect these pins to ground or through a low-value resistor for current sensing.
• Pin 2 & 3 (Output 1/2): Connection terminals for Motor A.
• Pin 4 (Supply Voltage): Main power input for the motors (V_S).
• Pin 5 & 7 (Input 1/2): Logic inputs for controlling Bridge A direction.
• Pin 6 (Enable A): PWM input pin to control the speed of Motor A.
• Pin 8 (GND): Common ground for both logic and power sections.
• Pin 9 (Vss): 5 V logic supply input.
• Pin 10 & 12 (Input 3/4): Logic inputs for controlling Bridge B direction.
• Pin 11 (Enable B): PWM input pin to control the speed of Motor B.
• Pin 13 & 14 (Output 3/4): Connection terminals for Motor B.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download STMicroelectronics L298N Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• DIY Robotics: Powering 4WD robot chassis and tracked vehicles.
• Arduino Projects: Used as the core driver for the popular L298N red motor driver modules.
• CNC Machines: Controlling small-scale bi-polar stepper motors in hobbyist-grade equipment.

Applications:

• DC Motor Speed Control: Utilizing PWM signals to vary the duty cycle and regulate rotational speed.
• Stepper Motor Driving: Sequencing the two bridges to drive bi-polar stepper motors in full or half-step modes.
• Solenoid Actuation: Switching high-voltage solenoid valves in automated dispensing systems.

Equivalent Models:

• L293D: A lower current alternative (600 mA) with integrated flyback diodes.
• SN754410: A pin-compatible replacement for the L293D, however, it offers lower current capability than the L298N.
• TB6612FNG: A modern MOSFET-based driver that provides better efficiency, consequently producing less heat than the L298N.

Package Includes:

• 1 x L298N Dual Full Bridge Motor Driver IC Multiwatt-15