L298N DC 2A Stepper Motor Driver Controller Board

L298N DC 2A Stepper Motor Driver Controller Board provides a robust and reliable solution for controlling DC motors and stepper motors in your robotics and automation projects. Built around the powerful L298N IC, this module acts as a high-power dual H-bridge driver, allowing you to independently control the speed and direction of two DC motors or manage the precise movements of a two-phase stepper motor. Its ability to handle motor voltages up to 35V and currents up to 2A per channel makes it suitable for driving larger motors than those typically controlled by microcontrollers alone. Engineers and hobbyists consistently choose the L298N board for its ease of use, integrated heat sink, and the ability to drive high-power loads directly from an Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other development board.

Key Features:

• Dual H-Bridge Driver: Control two independent DC motors or one 4-wire, 2-phase stepper motor simultaneously.
• High Current Capability: Each channel can deliver up to 2A (peak) of current, easily driving medium-sized motors.
• Integrated Voltage Regulator: An onboard 5V regulator can supply power to your control circuitry (like a microcontroller) from the motor power source.
• Robust Heat Management: A large, integrated aluminum heat sink efficiently dissipates heat, ensuring stable operation even under high-current loads.
• Separate Logic and Motor Power: You can power the L298N’s logic side (5V) and the motor side (up to 35V) with different voltages for better isolation and performance.
• Enable and Control Pins: Dedicated input pins allow for precise control over motor direction and speed (using PWM).

Technical Specifications:

• Driver IC: L298N Dual H Bridge DC Motor Driver IC
• Logic Voltage: 5V
• Motor Drive Voltage (V_S): 5V to 35V DC
• Logic Current: 0-36mA
• Motor Drive Current (I_O): 2A (MAX single bridge)
• Maximum Power Dissipation: 25W (at T = 75°C)
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +135°C

Mechanical Specifications:

• Mounting Holes: Four standard mounting holes for secure installation.
• Connectors: Screw terminals for motor and power connections; male header pins for control signals.
• Heat Sink: Prominent aluminum heat sink attached directly to the L298N IC.
• Jumpers: Onboard jumpers to enable or disable the 5V regulator and the motor enable pins.

Dimensions:

• Board Length: 43 mm
• Board Width: 43 mm
• Board Height: 27 mm (including heat sink)

Pinout and Wiring:

• 12V Power Input: Connect the positive terminal of the main motor power supply (5V-35V).
• GND: Connect the common ground for both logic and motor power.
• 5V Output/Input: If the 5V regulator jumper is installed and V_S > 7V, this pin outputs 5V. If V_S < 7V, you must connect an external 5V source here and remove the regulator jumper.
• ENA / ENB: Enable pins for Motor A and Motor B respectively. Connect these to PWM pins on your microcontroller to control motor speed.
• IN1 / IN2: Direction control pins for Motor A. Set these high/low to determine motor direction.
• IN3 / IN4: Direction control pins for Motor B. Set these high/low to determine motor direction.
• OUT1 / OUT2: Output terminals for Motor A.
• OUT3 / OUT4: Output terminals for Motor B.
• Wiring Note: Always connect your motor power supply before connecting the logic signals. Remove the 5V regulator jumper if your motor voltage (V_S) is 7V or less.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download L298 Datasheet (L298N IC)

Commonly Used in:

• Educational Robotics: A staple driver for beginner to intermediate mobile robot platforms.
• Home Automation: Controlling motorized curtains, automated vents, or simple linear actuators.
• CNC/3D Printing: Driving stepper motors for precise axis movement (though often superseded by dedicated stepper drivers for high-precision tasks).

Applications:

• DC Motor Speed and Direction Control: Build wheeled robots, robotic arms, or fan speed controllers.
• Stepper Motor Control: Implement precise angular position control for small mechanisms.
• Electromechanical Systems: Drive solenoids and relays requiring higher voltages and currents than a microcontroller can safely source.

Equivalent Models:

• L293D: A lower-power version, often used for smaller motors and breadboard prototyping.
• DRV8833 / DRV8825: More modern, higher-efficiency drivers commonly used for advanced stepper motor applications or lower-voltage DC motors, known for generating less heat.

Package Includes:

• 1 x L298N DC 2A Stepper Motor Driver Controller Board